A positive move at the two-furlong pole by Ben Curtis on End Of The Affair saw the 5-1 chance run out an emphatic winner of the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap at Wexford.
Co Meath trainer Vincent Ward was making the journey worthwhile, and revealed it had not been an entirely straightforward one.
He explained: "We were lucky to get here, our box broke down just coming into Bunclody and we had to load our mare into Conor O'Dwyer's box.
"But it was all worthwhile in the end and Ben gave her a super ride. I have four horses in training, all ex-Dermot Weld horses, and we'll aim her for a novice hurdle next."< Uncle Eric shot clear to run out an impressive winner of the Baginbun Point Maiden for the Jessica Harrington team.
Given the office by a confident Fran Berry at the furlong pole, the four-year-old had four lengths in hand of Magen's Star as the 9-4 favourite.
Delighted owner Clodagh McStay said: "I bred this fellow, he has been unlucky as he got injured as a young horse but we held on to him and Jessie has done a great job with him.
"He has always been a lovely horse and it's great to get the win out of him."
Aidan O'Brien has a big weekend coming up and received a timely boost as Aristocrat justified 4-7 favouritism when landing the opener, the Ingard Point Maiden, under Seamie Heffernan, who partners leading Epsom Derby fancy Fame And Glory in the Derrinstown Trial at Leopardstown tomorrow.< Izagonawin (6-1) built on a decent effort last time out at Leopardstown when seeing out the extended mile best of all to take the Black Point Handicap.
Fozzy Stack, son and assistant to winning trainer Tommy, said: "She ran well at Leopardstown the last day. Billy gave her a lovely ride and got her settled. She's in again on Tuesday in Killarney so we'll see how things go."
end
© www.irish-racing.com
