After going close at Naas on Wednesday when second, Beleaguerment stepped up a placing to justify favouritism in the Thomastown Apprentice Handicap at Gowran.

Siobhan Rutledge gave John McConnell’s 100/30 chance a daring ride, and he eventually prevailed by three parts of length from Accessory

Rutledge secured a tight route for herself and Beleaguerment, up the rail on the inside of Socratic in the final furlong.

Ultimately third, in first-time cheek-pieces, Socratic had put the pace to the race after being keen. He succumbed late on and ended up half a length back in the bronze medal spot.

“He was a little bit unlucky last week in Naas and we got him out again quickly,” reported the winning jockey.

“Seven is probably his minimum trip. It just happened to work out that he got up the rail today, it was a dream run and I was very lucky.

“He handles that ground no bother and likes Dundalk as well.”

Sam Ewing, rider of Little Camacho trained by Anthony McCann, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got a slight bump at the start.

Nikita Amelia Kane, rider of Sassy Dancer trained by W.J. Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that her mount clipped a heel turning in.

N.M. Crosse, rider of Tynamite trained by David Marnane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right in the straight.

Anthony McCann, trainer of Little Camacho, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge was showing signs of being in season post race

(GC & EM)