Empirico recorded his second career win when he came home in front of the Y.I.T.B.A. Racing Club Handicap for trainer David Marnane.

Colm O’Donoghue who was in the saddle came with a late to challenge to lead close home and score by half a length.

Connections had a few anxious moments as they had to survive a Stewards Enquiry after the winner slightly hampered the fourth, fifth and seventh placed horses inside the final furlong.

A delighted Marnane commented: “He’s a lovely horse. I was actually going to pull him out on account of the fast ground but we took a chance and it paid off.”

“He’s a better horse on softer ground and that’s as quick as he’d want it.”

“We might give him a little break now and wait for the softer ground.”

Following a steward's enquiry, Colm O'Donoghue was suspended for one day for careless riding.