Courageous Strike and James Ryan © Photo Healy Racing
Last year's winning jockey James Ryan made it back-to-back wins in the race when delivering Courageous Strike from off the pace to land the Fitzpatrick's Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Derby Handicap at the Curragh.
Held up towards rear of the 18 runners, Ryan crept closer early in the straight as Wesley Joyce kicked for home on Son Of Hypnos For a time, it appeared as though the latter had skipped clear but the pack quickly closed.
Still with nine in front of him over a furlong out, the Adrian Murray trained Courageous Strike looked to have an impossible task as firstly Model Approach then Valleyoftheeagles and Master Dunraven staked claims.
However, with a perfectly judged ride, Ryan produced the 28/1 outsider Courageous Strike deep inside the final furlong to head Valleyoftheeagles for a half-length success.
James Ryan said: “It was great, the race worked out perfect. We were keen to slot in and get settled.
“We were handled a bad draw, I sort of missed the kick on purpose and slotted in. They went a million and it just fell apart.
“Trying to get around them was the hardest part. Once I got a clear run I was able to slowly build it up and he did it well in the end.
“It's his first time over this trip. He ran a very good race the last time over a mile-and-one and I knew looking at him he had plenty of boot to get me there.
“I was very lucky to win it last year for Tony Martin. It's great to get the ride on this lad and thanks very much to Adrian and the lads for giving me the opportunity.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
