Silkies Sib came through off a fast pace to make the breakthrough in the apprentice handicap over nine furlongs in Tipperary.

Sean Bowen 's hard work aboard the Cotai Glory colt began to reap its rewards as the pair made steady headway a furlong and a-half down.

The rate of progression saw them hit the front approaching the final furlong and closer Snow Haven was always held in second by the winner.

The 11/2 shot beat the 7/1 chance by half a length while 7/2 favourite Ano Manna came in a length and three-quarters back in third.

Trainer Tim Doyle said: "He is improving with every run, but still has a lot to learn. Mentally he is still backward, but is as tough as they get and you couldn't get to the bottom of him and every run is getting better.

"His half-brother (home-bred Silky Wilkie) was second in the Beverley Bullet yesterday and both are out of a good mare Vasoni who won five races for us. This lad isn't as quick as the rest of the family but has that toughness. He might also make into a three-year-old hurdler."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes