Alajan springs 20/1 surprise Alajan sprang a 20/1 shock when claiming the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap under Leigh Roche. The Bill Fitzpatrick-trained gelding charted a wide course into the straight and threw down a strong challenge inside the final furlong. He asserted in the closing stages to post a three-parts-of-a-length victory over 2/1 favourite Wee Giant. "You couldn't really fancy him today as he ran poorly in Tramore. The track was too tight there and didn't suit," said Fitzpatrick. "I was happier with the course here and the 1m4f trip. He ran over two miles at the festival here but that didn't suit. "I put a sheepskin noseband on today to held him concentrate and he won well. We'll look for another handicap for him." The trainer admitted to having a few euro on the Tote with the return a handsome €50.30.
