Mr defies top-weight under Leonard

Mr Adjudicator defied top-weight in the Ross Golf Course Apprentice Handicap, scoring under Killian Leonard for owner/trainer Joe Murphy.

Having filled the runner-up spot on two occasions last month, the son of Camacho was last seen finishing a disappointing tenth to Dara Tango at the Galway Festival.

Sent off a 4/1 chance this evening he raced mainly in third, improving into second before the turn in to the straight.

He was pushed along to lead with two furlongs left to race, and was soon ridden clear, coming home an eased down five and a half length victor. Binary Code came through to take second for Donagh O'Connor for John Murphy at 10/3, while Happy Company (14s last night and from 15/2 to 6s on-course) was another length and three parts back in third under Daniel Redmond.

The 2/1 favourite Miss Snossyboots faded to finish fourth after she attempted to make all under Conor McGovern for Mick Halford.

Joe Murphy said afterwards: "He did that well. He had to commit as they went a mad gallop early on and all he does is stay. He got a soft lead.

"He's always run well, and hopefully he'll make a nice three-year-old hurdle horse."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee