Jills Ballet leads them a merry dance

French jockey Antoine Coutier was seen to good effect on board Jills Ballet for Co Wicklow trainer Prunella Dobbs in the European Association Of Racing Schools Apprentice Handicap over seven furlongs at the Curragh.

The race featured 17 apprentices from Ireland, France, Italy, Germany and Great Britain with France taking the team honours.

Prunella Dobbs was delighted to see her filly win again after scoring at Cork in August. She said: “She got a tendon injury at Leopardstown in 2009 and off the track for two years so the tears are flowing.

“She’s a very honest mare and the good ones are easy to train. It is my first winner ever at the Curragh from my third run here. I have three flat horses in training though I’m longing to have some more.

“Antoine got the race right and she stayed on well.

“Credit must go to Frederick Rooney who did a lot of road walking with this horse as part of her rehabilitation.”

The seven-year-old filly won at 14/1 by half a length from One Of Three (12/1) ridden by Irish jockey Gary Phillips. Toufan Express at 11/1 with German jockey Martin Seidl in the plate was third while An Mhi and German rider Katharina Irmer completed the placings at 11/1 for each-way punters.

Michael Graham