The grey Evening's Empire leads home Vidisha© Photo Healy Racing
From a family steeped in racing, Alexandra Egan partnered her first winner when guiding Evening's Empire to victory in the Gain The Advantage Series Apprentice Handicap.
A daughter of multiple Group 1 winning jockey John Egan and Irish Grand National winning trainer Sandra Hughes, the young apprentice was second on her first ride at Limerick earlier this month.
Slightly slow into stride and towards rear in the early stages, the Eddie and Patrick Harty-trained victor made rapid progress to lead after three-furlongs.
Strongly pressed and joined from the two-furlong pole, the Fearghal & Bronagh Eastwood-owned four-year-old battled back gamely to regain an outright advantage inside the final 150 yards, before holding off the renewed effort of Vidisha (10/1) and Rory Mulligan by a short head.
Coming with what looked a strong challenge at the time, Robyn Donaghue-Leahy lost her left iron aboard Not Just Any Eagle from the furlong pole, with the 4/1 chance subsequently fading in the closing stages, finishing another length-and-three-quarters back in third.
Returned the 3/1 favourite Jabbar raced towards rear under Keithen Kennedy, eventually finishing a never nearer fourth.
"I'm learning loads from him (brother David Egan) - he texted me before the race. He's home tonight, so he is going to go through it with me again, I'm sure. He gave me loads of tips before the race.
"I'm delighted and I wish my grandad (Dessie Hughes) was here - he's looking down on all of us I suppose.
"For a second I didn't think I'd held on and I then I saw all the stalls handlers cheering and I knew I got it!"
Patrick Harty added: "Delighted!
"Obviously, I need the winner myself but what it means for Alex. She puts in the work and has worked hard to get to where she is today.
"She's a star in the making, hopefully."
STEWARDS REPORT
R. Donaghue-Leahy, rider of Not Just Any Eagle, trained by Patrick J.Flynn, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that she lost her left iron in the straight.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
