Newmarket scores for Austin & Foley

Newmarket Story (5/1) followed up on her good effort at Tipperary last month (where she finished a close third to Whatever It Takes), by taking the second race on the card, the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap.

Trained by Willie Austin, the daughter of Desert Story, had just one win to her name before today, that coming in June of 2009, when springing a 66/1 surprise at Lingfield.

She since went close on numerous occasions but today she finally got her head in front under Shane Foley.

The winning 7yo chased the leaders early on before producing her challenge a furlong out. She led inside the final furlong and kept on well to hold off the late run of Second Glance by a length and a quarter. Mister Music Man (8/1) who travelled well in the lead over three furlongs out, could only manage third in the end a further length behind.

Winning trainer Willie Austin was not present for the win but his son Leslie said afterwards "We have been waiting along time for that! It's nearly two years since she last won at Lingfield.

"She missed out a few times this year, between being left at the start and giving wrong instructions.

"She could have won the last day only for she missed the kick.

"She would want the ground a bit better than it is out there today but she was good enough to win.

"We will look for something similar for her now and she will mix it between the flat and hurdles." Playdate who was backed from 9/2 this morning into 7/2 favourite at the off finished a disappointing seventh.

Donal Murphy