Ginsburg a first winner for Sean Bird

Sean Bird partnered his first winner when Ginsburg sprang a 28/1 surprise in the PG Duffy & Sons Citroen Apprentice Handicap.

The Co Louth native has had over a hundred rides and several near misses but was rewarded for his perseverance as the Lawman filly scored for the first time on her tenth career start. Having tracked the leaders, the four-year-old was ridden clear over a furlong from home and stayed on well to account for River Derwent and Tyrion’s Dream by three and a quarter lengths and one length. New York Angel completed the frame after making the running.

The winner was placed three times for Kieran Cotter last year and is a half-sister to that handler’s opening race winner Matilda Picotte

This was her third start for winning trainer Gerry Keane who said: "It’s great for Sean. He rides a good bit of work for us and is a great lad.

“We have her a while. I thought she would run well but I didn’t think she would do that.

“She likes a bit of cut but disappointed at Gowran the last day. I thought she was a bit high in the handicap but has done it well there today.

“She was very buzzy when she came to us but has settled in well. The last two runs she got wound up but today she didn’t even sweat.”

Bird (22) from Ardee said: “I’m apprenticed to Ger Lyons but I also ride a good bit of work for Gerry and it’s nice to ride my first winner for him and especially here on the Curragh.

“It’s been a while coming but it’s great to get it.”

Quotes from Alan Magee