Stay Local and Conor Stone Walsh win the Gormanlough Apprentice Handicap. © Photo Healy Racing
Stay Local recorded her first win after 12 previous attempts when proving too strong for the opposition in Division l of the Gormanlough Apprentice Handicap at Navan.
The Aidan Howard trained five-year-old had been placed on three previous occasions but disappointed on her two most recent starts, including over course and distance last time.
Prominent from the outset here under Conor Stone-Walsh, the mare tracked leader Lissadell for much of the race, before moving up to take over in front before the furlong pole.
Soon ridden to go a couple of lengths clear of her rivals, the J.P. McManus owned mare stayed on strongly to gain a well overdue success.
Aidan Howard said: "She's after coming to herself in the last couple of weeks there.
"I was quietly confident coming here.
"He was very good on her, he has a good head and a good pair of hands - a great lad.
"I'm hoping to get her out in a couple of weeks."
