The Dermot Weld trained Khothry landed a minor touch (12/1 into 8s) when winning the Croom House Stud EBF Fillies Maiden at Limerick today, proving a welcome winner for apprentice jockey Leigh Roche.

Roche had been 'jocked up' to ride Weld's four runners at Leopardstown yesterday (including eventual Listed winner Along Came Casey) but, with Rite Of Passage's withdrawal from the Ascot Gold Cup, Weld's stable jockey Pat Smullen was then freed to take the replace Roche.

Roche made the most of today's opportunity though, keeping the daughter of Marju going for a length and three parts win over Drifting Mist

Weld wasn't present but Roche said “she travelled away nicely and I got a nice run through on the inner. I got there a little sooner than I wanted though but she put head head down and galloped to the line. Hopefully she can improve from this.”

By Thomas Weekes