The father and son team of Gary and Dara McGill were on the mark at Limerick as Apologise made a winning start for the Derry connections in the Roche’s Feeds Handicap Hurdle.

The Oakleaf Lads Syndicate were out in force to greet the 12/1 shot, available at 20/1 overnight), back into the winner’s enclosure.

The son of Fascinating Rock was last seen winning at Huntingdon for Ollie Greenall just over a year ago and has since changed hands for just 1,000 pounds.

The five-year-old showed a good attitude to get the better of Snow Punt on the run-in for a half-length verdict, with Collaborative three and a quarter lengths back in third.

Dara McGill said, “His jumping wouldn’t be the greatest but I always felt like I was going to get there. He jumped the last two.

“He was a cheap purchase but has had his problems. Thankfully we’ve got them worked out for today and he’s got the job done.

“He should come on from the run and he didn’t jump too badly today.”