Owners Daniel McDonnell (left) and Johnny Ward receive their prize from the newly crowned Rose Of Tralee Elysha Brennan © Photo Healy Racing
Aye Aye Skipper landed a gamble as he took the Diarmuid Cronin Electrical Apprentice Handicap under Donagh O'Connor for his boss Johnny Levins.
Previously trained in the UK by Dean Ivory, where he won twice, the five-year-old son of Captain Marvelous made his debut for current connections at Fairyhouse last month and ran an eye-catching race to finish fifth of sixteen on his last start at Tipperary.
Available at 14/1 last night with Paddy Power he opened on-course at just 13/2 before going off a 9/2 chance.
Having raced mainly in fourth he was ridden to challenge over two furlongs out and hit the front with a furlong and a half to race, keeping on well from there to score by a length and a half. Udogo was sent off the 10/3 favourite and he finished second under Ana O'Brien for her father Aidan while Apache Gold (6/1) was a neck back in third under Donnacha O'Brien for John Joe Walsh.
Johnny Ward of the Racing Post is a member of the winning OI OI Skipper Syndicate and said afterwards: "It was great. He was a very cheap purchase and I have a lot of faith in Johnny Levins, I think he is one of the most promising trainers around.
"I suppose there was a question mark as to what he would find because he hasn't won in a while and has been regressive on paper but Donagh was very good on him and we couldn't ask for more.
"I thought he won like a horse with a bit in hand. Johnny is very good at refreshing horses and getting them to enjoy the game again.
"Anyone who saw him the last day in Tipperary would have thought he was a bit of an eyecatcher. Johnny wasn't hugely confident today but he told us to have a few bob on.
"There is seven involved in the syndicate as well as me. Daniel McDonnell from the Irish Independent, a couple of mates from Galway and lads from all over.
"There is a race for him at Bellewstown next week and he'll probably go there."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Udogo (GB), ridden by Anastasia O'Brien, placed second and Aye Aye Skipper, ridden by D.W. O'Connor, placed first. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned in the presence of Noel Lawlor, representing J.F.Levins, trainer of the winner. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.W.O'Connor was in breach of Rule 214 in that he rode carelessly and having considered his record, severely cautioned him concerning his future responsibilities in this regard.
