Cat dances in for promising apprentice

Bill Farrell was full of praise for jockey Marc Monaghan after saddling Waltzing Cat to open her account in the “Minutes” Apprentice Handicap at Leopardstown.

Monaghan made his move early in the straight in this ten furlongs event, leading well over a furlong out before drawing clear to beat 3/1 favourite Xsquared by three and three quarter lengths. Phantom Of Plenty (4/1) was a further neck back in third spot.

The winner was formerly trained by Sir Mark Prescott until joining current connections this year, and she completed a good 24 hours for the Curragh handler after the success of Man Of Erin at Naas yesterday evening.

Farrell said, “That was a terrific ride by the young lad. She is tricky enough and it’s great to get a win with her.

“We’ll see what the handicapper makes of her. A mile and a quarter is probably her trip, and she will go on better ground.”