Joyce lands thrilling finale to notch a double

The concluding Grant Thornton Handicap produced a thrilling finish with Wesley Joyce galvanising Enquire Within (4/1) whose late burst saw her get up on the line.

The Finbarr Hand-trained eight-year-old looked held in fourth at the furlong pole and was soon short of room, but a gap opened inside the final 100 yards and Joyce drove her between outsider Ballinahulla and market leader Red Secret to touch off the former by a short head.

After Billy Lee and Ronan Whelan, Joyce was the third rider to notch a double on the card having won the opener on Lightning Bear He is now just three off the lead in a very competitive race to be champion apprentice.

The Limerick man wore a black armband and Hand, who was leading up, explained: "It is a poignant winner as the owner's (Miss Maura McGuinness) mother died.

"She deserved that, she had a brilliant run in Navan when she just came a little bit too late.

"She was in real big trouble the whole way down the hill, but Wesley got her out.

"She's consistent and the most beautiful mare to train - an absolute legend!"

Quotes from Michael Graham