Wyoyo defied a 13lb rise for a wide-margin win at Down Royal earlier this month when taking the Athlone Apprentice Handicap in the hands of Luke Dempsey.

The three-year-old gelding set the pace until headed approaching the straight by Miss Ekaterina who was soon sent clear.

However Dempsey didn’t panic and the 5/2 favourite got back in front inside the final furlong and stayed on well to score by three quarters of a length. Little Arrows completed the placings a further length and three quarters back in third.

Winning trainer Ger Lyons’ brother Shane said, “Luke was very canny on him and used his head. They went a nice gallop and he got a breather into him and allowed him something to look at.

“He’s a very big framed horse, lightly-raced and has taken a little time to come together. We were a bit worried about getting 13lb for the win in the north and the main thing was that Luke was very good on him.

“He’s in the Newmarket Sales and the jumping boys should love him. He weighs nearly 500 kilos, and can only improve when he fills out more.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes