John McConnell and Keithen Kennedy have built up a good partnership at Dundalk this winter and the pair successfully teamed up for the fifth time this year with Highland King in the CT1 Apprentice Handicap.

The five-year-old gelding hadn’t won in 17 previous starts but showed plenty of promise over course and distance last month when third to Wrecking Ball Paul.

Kennedy lost his whip on the 9/2 chance just under two furlongs out but it made little difference as his mount travelled well to head 100/30 favourite Moondharrig inside the final furlong.

Highland King was just pushed out to beat that rival by three quarters of a length, with the pair stretching five and a half lengths clear of Picpoul in third.

McConnell said, "You are always worried when they are a maiden if they are going to do it, but he's actually a very genuine horse.

"He's a big horse and probably just had a few growing issues. He has turned the corner now and hopefully he can go on and win another one. He has form on the turf and would probably jump a hurdle, he is big enough to, so there are loads of routes for him.

"Johnny (O'Brien, owner) has been very patient with him as he always is."

Quotes by Michael Graham