McCann's Hall denies heavily backed Motel

A head, a half a length and a short head split the first four home in the Grant Thornton Apprentice Handicap. Konig Hall was the one to come out on top in Limerick's penultimate event under Conor McGovern.

Winning trainer Anthony McCann's late mentor Oliver Brady was recently commemorated with the Group 3 Oliver Brady Memorial Ballycorus Stakes at Leopardstown won by Flight Risk.

Here McCann sent out Konig Hall, absent from Flat race action for 226 days, but a runner over flights at Kilbeggan less than three weeks ago.

"He had a problem with the stalls last year but had a good first run back at Kilbeggan and Conor gave him a superb ride and he's not a bad wee horse," said McCann after his charge had touched off the heavily backed favourite Papal Motel

"Rita Shah just bought into him recently with Colm Murphy and it's great but is unfortunate for the last owner."

(TW & EM)