Seventeen year old Philip Donovan partnered his first winner at Cork today, steering top weight Srucahan to win the opening Mallow Apprentice Handicap.

Donovan showed plenty of confidence throughout the five furlongs trip, moving the son of Kheleyf to the front over two furlongs out before staying on well to defeat Love Is The Key

Srucahan was recording his second win in four days and representative Paul Coyle later stated “he struggled to win a race last year but now he has won three in 2012 and has turned into a real old pro! I'm delighted for Philip and he gave him a good ride.”

Donovan himself later briefly stated “that was my third ride, I'm from Moneygall, Co Tipperary and I'm based with Paul Deegan.”