Masoun opens up a possible Royal Ascot path Masoun won the apprentice handicap in Leopardstown in the hands of Wayne Hassett for Joseph O'Brien. He regained the lead from Casanova entering the straight and Hassett was soon pumping his arms to send his partner for home. The 9/2 joint favourite found generously racing to the final furlong and swept home in this nine-furlong assignment by a length and a-half. Bill Silvers (13/2) kept on for second and was a length and three-quarters ahead of Final Voyage (15/2). O'Brien said: “Nine or ten furlongs is probably a good trip for him and Wayne gave him a lovely positive ride. “If he gets into Ascot next week in a handicap, he’ll go, as the owners are over, and hopefully we’ll find something for him in the Curragh over Derby weekend.” This was Masoun's third career success. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
