Touch Of Gold defied a recent 9lbs ratings hike to gain her second win at Dundalk tonight as the Michael Kennedy trained mare landed the Crowne Plaza Championship Apprentice Handicap under jockey Killian Leonard.

The daughter of Papal Bull won two handicap hurdles in 2017 and having gained her first win of 2018 on October 26, doubled up today when beating California Lad by three parts of a length.

Upton, Co Cork based trainer Kennedy, a brother of jump jockeys Paddy and Jack Kennedy, later stated “I was a bit worried about the 9lbs but she came out of the race very well the last day and it wasn't a great race, it was a weak enough race.

“Hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on her now and we might bring her back again in a couple of weeks.

“She's a good dual purpose mare and we'll give her a break shortly. She should win plenty more races next summer.”

Quotes from Gary Carson