Easy for Apple on Nursery debut

Rudi's Apple defied top-weight as he routed his four rivals in the Barberstown Castle Sprint Nursery Handicap.

With three solid efforts to his name, the Joseph O'Brien-trained victor was installed the 6/4 favourite in early shows for this five-furlong contest, but drifted out to a starting price of 5/2.

The Donnacha O'Brien-trained Shimmy Jimmy was the one for money and from 10/3 early, he eventually went off the 11/8 favourite, drifting late on from 11/10.

Ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, the successful No Nay Never chestnut raced in third on the outer before improving to lead a furlong and a half from home.

Owned by the H O S Syndicate, he soon increased his advantage and was three-and-three-quarter lengths clear at the line.

Returned at 3/1, the front-running Snapdragon filled the runner-up spot, while Shimmy Jimmy faded tamely when ridden over a furlong out and trailed home in fourth.

"He was straight forward and travelled well. He was always comfortable through the race," the winning rider revealed.

"I was always confident, and he quickened up good. He was a good winner at the line. He's progressing and is only going to get better.

"He'd a big weight but is probably a level above them."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Shimmy Jimmy, trained by Donnacha Aidan O'Brien, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee