Dazzling Darren repelled all challengers to run out a game winner of the apprentice handicap at Sligo this afternoon.

Gavin Cromwell 's charge was to the fore throughout in the race, run over just shy of a mile-and-five, and was sent for home turning in by Sam Ewing.

The field got very tight behind him entering the straight with a couple inconvenienced but Dazzling Darren was in the right place.

The 7/2 joint favourite kept on well in the closing stages to score by three-parts-of-a-length.

Eatern Tornado won a tight battle for the runner-up spot, a nose ahead of Stellify

Dazzling Darren had won three times for connections on the all-weather in England early last year and was opening his account on grass today.

Ewing said:- "The inside was a good place to be. He really enjoyed the tight track and it brought out the best in him. Hopefully he can pick up another one. 

"He hasn't made the running in a while so we just changed things a bit today and he enjoyed himself up front."

(Quotes by Mark Nunan)