Deuteronomy grabs elusive first victory Deuteronomy (12/1) wore down Carrickfinn to land Division 1 of the KCLR 96FM Apprentice Handicap over a mile in Gowran Park for father and daughter Robbie and Nicola Burns. Carrickfinn attempted to make all and only Deuteronomy, well away from the widest draw in the first-time visor, was able to go with him well inside the final quarter of a-mile. The front pair separated themselves from the field racing to the final furlong and Deuteronomy edged ahead in the closing stages. Carrickfinn stuck to his task, but it was a losing one as Deuteronomy flashed past the post with half a length in hand of the gambled-on 13/2 runner-up. Higher Kingdom was six lengths adrift in third at 4/1. Trainer Burns said: “He was a little unlucky in Leopardstown, when he got his gap it closed again. I thought if there was a little horse that deserved his win it was him so I’m delighted he got it today. “I thought with the ground drying out and a mile here it might be a bit on the sharp side for him. “Shane Foley said to me one day to maybe put a bit of headgear on him, it might help him concentrate, so a big thanks to him for guiding me along. “It did help, the horse was sharper there today for the visor and raced in her hands. “I left it to herself today. I thought with the wide draw and the ground drying out that we weren’t going to be involved. “I just told her to be positive and best of luck. Thank God, it’s a great day. “When those type of horses are knocking around at that grade sometimes it can fall your way. He deserves it anyway.” Deuteronomy made the breakthrough at the 29th time of asking. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
