Oliver's Apercu completes double for Lee Apercu completed a double for Billy Lee, as she got the better of 11/4 favourite Lope De Lilas in the Easter Festival April 19th - 21st Handicap. A fine fourth on her return to action at the Curragh last month, the Andy Oliver-trained victor was sent off a 9/2 chance this afternoon. Soon settled in second on the outer, the Team Valor-owned five-year-old improved into a share of the lead on the approach to the straight. Gaining an outright advantage with over two furlongs to race, the Elzaam bay was tackled by the aforementioned market leader with over a furlong to go and after a good tussle in the closing stages, half a length separated them at the line. Colin Keane was aboard the Willie Mullins-trained runner-up, while Slieve Binnian (8/1) and Rock Of Ireland (28/1) were third and fourth respectively. "Ten furlongs is probably her trip as she gets it well but an opportunity presented itself over a mile at the Curragh last month so we ran her. It was a pleasing run so we were quite hopeful coming here," Oliver reflected. "Billy said she put herself everywhere he wanted her and jumped out and travelled well. I thought Willie's filly had her covered but she really battled back so it was a tough performance. "She improved last year and has physically improved this winter so we'll keep going as long as it works. She would probably get further and seems versatile." Billy Lee was earlier successful on Currawood in the third. STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident halfway down the back straight involving Sylkie (GB), ridden by R.P. Cleary, and Joe Masseria, ridden by N.M. Crosse where it appeared Joe Masseria received a bump from Sylkie. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. R.P. Cleary stated his mount was difficult and running keen when he took off heels bumping Joe Masseria by accident in the process. N.M. Crosse said he received a bump from the horse in his inner. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards took no further action. * C.D. Hayes, rider of Razdan, trained by Chris Timmons, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away from the stalls. * R.P. Cleary, rider of Sylkie (GB), trained by Daniel John Howard, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was keen early. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
