First win for Cursory Exam

Cursory Exam got off the mark at the 14th attempt today at Dundalk, landing the Leading Jockey & Trainer Apprentice Handicap (div I) for trainer Ger O'Leary and jockey Donagh O'Connor.

O'Connor, successful on Fennor Cross at Thurles yesterday, was prominent throughout on the son of Due Diligence who eventually stayed on well for a length win over Mokhles

O'Leary's assistant Adrian Joyce later said “it's disappointing when you look back at his maiden form in the Curragh (June 2020) you'd have thought you were going to have a really nice horse going forward but he had a couple of good runs here last year.

“He obviously got a high rating (79) for that run and it's just taken a while to come down to his level now. Donagh gave him a super ride, I thought they went very steady and he was in the right position the whole way.

“He stayed very well, probably wants that trip and we're delighted to get him to win. It's great for the lads in the yard and the boss Ger - everything is going really well so we're delighted.”

Quotes from Gary Carson