Apache Gold beats Ecoeye (far) and Shanghai Beauty (centre) © Photo Healy Racing
Apache Gold registered his fourth success at Cork when hanging on to claim the six furlong handicap at the Mallow track this afternoon.
John Joe Walsh's charge travelled strongly to lead two furlongs from home in the hands of Rory Cleary and kept on well when asked for an effort inside the final furlong.
Eco Eye and Shanghai Beauty both finished well in the closing stages but Apache Gold held on by a neck at the line.
It was his fourth win at the track and his third over course and distance.
The Golden Snake gelding has proven very consistent this season and his last run at Listowel was the first time he had been out of the money in six runs.
He attracted support from 9/1 into 11/2 this morning before eventually going to post a 6/1 shot.
Brendan Walsh, son of trainer, said afterwards:-
"The last day at Listowel the ground was a bit tacky and he just couldn't act on it.
"Today suited after the drop of rain as it was looser. He's been a great money-spinner for the (Ballintlea) syndicate which includes his breeder Michael Duane, a neighbour of ours in Doneraile."
(Quotes by Alan Magee)