Champion apprentice elect Gavin Ryan took the 50 to 80 HOLLYWOODBETS Handicap on Ado McGuinness’ Raphael

For good measure in the fifth event this evening at Dundalk, McGuinness also supplied the second, the Colin Keane-ridden War Hero

Raphael soon led and he made virtually all.

Pushed along two furlongs out, the successful German-bred was ridden clear over a furlong out.

From there he stayed on strongly in the final furlong to comfortably account for his stable companion by three lengths.

“We bought him out of Kevin Prendergast's last year. He burst here one night but is a very nice horse when things go well,” said McGuinness.

“He needs top of the ground or that all-weather surface. He works like a premier handicap horse when he's right.

“He pulls hard, that wasn't the plan to ride him like that tonight but Gavin said no-one was making and he got a freebie in front and settled really well.

“That's why he's going to be champion apprentice because he's clued in and has a great head on his shoulders.

“War Hero was a little unlucky to meet him and be the bridesmaid again.

“I don't know what the handicapper is going to do with the winner but hopefully he won't be too hard on him. I might buy him a pint!”

B.M. Coen, rider of Elite Craft (USA) trained by J.P. Murtagh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was slowly away from the stalls.

M.A. Gallagher, rider of David Garrick trained by Edward P.Harty, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got tight for room about 50yards from the finish.

(GC & EM)