Gavin Ryan showed just why he is the leading apprentice this season when getting Clear Quartz home by the narrowest of margins in the Fairyhouse.ie Handicap.

The Mark Fahey-trained gelding had beaten a total of just two horses in his previous four races but the addiction of cheek pieces here seemed to spark him into action.

The son of Slade Power attracted some support at big prices earlier in the day but drifted out again before the six-furlong event to go off at 22/1.

Ryan’s mount led over a furlong out but needed all the rider’s strength to just hold off Jensons Joy by a short-head, with Countess Matilda a length and three quarters back in third.

Fahey said, “He grows a leg on that ground and it’s his first time in a 45-65. Gavin was great on him and it wasn’t the strongest of races. He’s a young progressing horse.

“There is very little else for him and we are just grateful that this meeting was put on. The conditions suited him.

“The owner Fearghal Hogan will knock good fun out of him. He boards mares and does livery at his place in Rathangan.”