Donovan gets the best from Gunner

Philip Donovan rode his third winner when making virtually all on Gunner Lindley in the Leopardstown Apprentice Handicap.

Denis Hogan 's Medicean gelding, an 11/1 chance, kept up the gallop in the final quarter mile and he had three lengths in hand from Shipyard at the line.

The Dusty & Shadow Syndicate own Gunner Lindley and one of their number, broadcaster and journalist Denis Kirwan revealed: "Dave Keena (a well-known figure in the game) is involved as well. We were starting to get a bit dispirited with him as he'd run three times over hurdles and shown nothing.

"He had some reasonable form on the flat in the past and I'd say he'll stick at this game now. It was a great thrill for us.

"It was a fantastic ride from the young jockey. He followed the instructions exactly and he looks a lad with a future." (GC & EM)