Divine intervention as Giuseppe gains first turf win

Giuseppe Cassioli registered his first win on turf in the 1888 Restaurant Apprentice Handicap.

Trained by Ger O'Leary and third on his return to action last month, the seven-year-old was sent off favourite this evening and was returned at 10/3 (drifted from 5/2 early) in the colours of Lance Bloodstock.

Settled in mid-division on the inner by Keithen Kennedy, the Bated Breath bay improved into fourth early in the straight and was soon switched to the outer.

Pushed along with over a furlong to go, he picked up well and sweep to the front inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by two-and-a-half lengths.

The Adrian McGuinness-trained Shoot To Kill (5/1 from 10s early) filled the runner-up spot under Cian MacRedmond, while Brains (11/2) was a length-and-a-half away in third.

"He looked great and the sun brought out the lovely black colour in him, he had a lovely shine,' said O'Leary.

"They went hard, I think they were doing 11 seconds a furlong early on, and Keithen just sat and came through them nicely, he won snugly enough I suppose.

"The rain was very welcome, it made the seven furlongs achievable and maybe slowed it up a small bit. I'd say a mile is his optimum trip.

"I'm delighted to win here in Leopardstown tonight as my father Pa is dead 22 years today. I asked him for a little favour when I was saddling him up and thankfully he came through.

"He got us all involved in the horses and it's a pleasure to still be moving on with it.

"We were very busy with the business but now we've put a good management structure in and my brother Pat and I can step back a bit and enjoy it more."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages involving Imperial Dream ridden by R. Donaghue-Leahy, placed sixth, and Giuseppe Cassioli (GB), ridden by K.G. Kennedy, placed first, where it appeared that slight contact was made between both horses. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson