Leroy does it well despite late drift

On just his second start in handicap company Leroy Parker got his head in front in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap, for his trainer Noel Meade with Emmet McNamara aboard.

The son of Titus Livius ran well on his handicap debut at the Galway Festival last time out, finishing fifth in the race won by Cash Or Casualty. Before that he had three decent maiden efforts to his name

Sent off at 6/1 the winner chased the leaders in the early stages of the race. He then improved into the lead two furlongs out when travelling well. He asserted from a furlong out and despite drifting badly left close home, he kept on well to score by a length and a half. The Drunken Dr at 8/1 stayed on well to take second for local trainer Niall Moran while Music On D Waters finished third for the third time in succession a further half a length back at 7/1. Marcus Attilius who was backed from his morning price of 11/2 into 9/2 favourite at the off could only manage fifth for his trainer Pat Flynn with Joseph O'Brien aboard.

Winning trainer Noel Meade said afterwards: "I'd say the ground is important to him. He didn't travel that well in Galway but the trip (of a mile) might have been a bit too short for him there.

"If the ground is easy he could go to Wexford on Friday.

"He is from the same family as Nomadic, who also wanted soft ground.

"His owner Joe Kirwan is from Clane and also has Prima Vista with me."

Donal Murphy