Roche keeps Derrinstown race alive

Leigh Roche closed the gap on Joseph O'Brien at the top of the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Series when claiming the opening five furlong handicap at Navan.

Roche, currently lying second in the table, gave Statue Of Dreams a confident ride to claim the spoils.

Jim McCabe 's charge was always prominent and hit the front at the two furlong pole.

He soon skipped clear and stuck to his guns well inside the final furlong to record a length-and-a-quarter success over One Of Three

"It's about time he won! He's been knocking on the door all year," said McCabe afterwards.

"We'll keep him to the same company and find another race for him. It's great for the owner Maurice Flynn, who has been with me since I started training.

"He's got his reward after waiting a long time."