Nicholson records first winner on flat

Kilkenny trainer John Nicholson was in the winner's enclosure this afternoon after his charge Mrs Batt landed the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap in the hands of Robbie Walsh.

Connections had a few anxious moments as they had to survive a lengthy Stewards Enquiry after Mrs Batt veered slightly right and hampered Mill Moss (3rd) close to the line.

A relieved Nicholson said afterwards: "That was my first flat winner. This filly had a lot of foot problems in the past."

"She had a run on the flat at the back end of last season but she just wasn't ready. We always thought a lot of her."

"Kevin Manning recommended that we put blinkers on her and that seemed to have done the trick. Hopefully she'll keep going now."