Gordon Bennett and Nathan Crosse (right) win for trainer Dick Brabazon© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Bennett (9s into 13/2 in the show) took the Kilberry Apprentice Handicap to give Nathan Crosse his fourth winner of the season.
Hooded for the first time for this handicap debut, the gelded son of Norfolk Stakes winner Prince Of Lir tracked the leaders towards the inside before coming through to lead a furlong and a half from home.
He kept on well up the hill to score by a length and a half and half a length from The Peckhampouncer (5/1) and Zegos Surprise (16/1). The 7/2 favourite Pretty Smart never landed a blow in seventh.
The winner had run quite well in three maidens last back-end and it’s always a fair effort for a 3-year-old to beat older handicappers at this early stage of the season.
Winning trainer Dick Brabazon said: "That was a bit of excitement at the start of the season for us.
“We always thought he was a lovely horse but he's a horse that gets himself a bit upset and he was running too free in his maidens last year.
“He was just doing it the wrong way around, showing tons of speed and then not getting home.
“I said to Nathan today 'just do one thing, try and get cover and then take it from there'. He did it beautifully and the horse settled for him. I was nearly more thrilled about that than winning because looking to the future we can manage him a bit now.
“He's a kind horse but he just gets himself in a state, he has to grow up a bit mentally but he's got a fair engine.
“He was working better than Hayyel who ran well last week so we knew he had the engine and it was just a case of would the temperament and the occasion be okay. Luckily it all worked out.
“It's great for a new syndicate, it's a pity they're not here. They've been great all along and anything I've said about the horse they've gone along with.
“I'm thrilled for them all and I hope they got a bit of fun out of it.
“He might get seven now that he's relaxed in a race. That's what I was hoping as you are a bit restricted if you can only do five. That was nearly six today and I think in time he'll get seven.
“I think he's a nice horse for the future. Physically and mentally we are only starting.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
