Brokopondo and Donagh O'Connor beat New Direction (down the inner)© Photo Healy Racing
Half-an-hour on from the win of Arlecchino's Rock Johnny Levins and Donagh O'Connor doubled their Dundalk score at combined odds of 87/1 when Brokopondo defied top-weight in the Monasterboice Inn Apprentice Handicap.
Gaining his third win at the venue and his fifth overall, Brokopondo made his ground from mid-division at the two furlong pole.
Ridden to close a furlong out, the Bushranger gelding stayed on to challenge inside the final furlong, and he led close home for a half length win over New Direction
"He's been a superstar around here for us, and it was a very clever ride from Donagh. He could be back here next week," commented Levins.
K.J. Leonard, rider of Candle Rocks trained by Luke Comer, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount became claustrophobic when amongst horses and stopped quickly.
He added that the colt was pulled up but trotted back sound to the unsaddling enclosure.
He advised the trainers representative to have the animal checked by a veterinary officer.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Candle Rocks, trained by Luke Comer, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Samples were taken for analysis.
(AM & EM)
