Trainer Barry Fitzgerald ended a lean spell when landing the Summer BBQ Packages Apprentice Handicap at Navan today with his well-backed 9/4 favourite Brave Troop under jockey Luke McAteer.

The son of Pride Of Dubai was produced from mid-field to lead a furlong out and beat Derry Lad by a length and three parts.

Fitzgerald reported “that win is a long time coming as I haven't had a winner since last November and it was bugging me but they are all running well.”

He added “Brave Troop has really grown up. When he won for me in October I only had him a month or two but this time I have him longer. He's really matured and he's a nice horse to have in the yard and it's good for the owner (Sarah Corcoran) as well.

“He'll improve again from that and we'll go for another handicap with him. He'll probably go jumping again during the summer, he probably wants better ground to stay.

Quotes from Gary Carson