Jockey Ross Coakley celebrated his birthday with a comprehensive success on board Smoky Cloud in the seven furlong apprentice handicap at Gowran Park.

Coakley, who turned 17 yesterday, made good use of his low draw in stall four to jump out and lead and then kicked on for home under two furlongs out to win by two-and-a-half lengths from his 15 rivals.

The four-year-old gelding by Refuse To Bend had been 12/1 in the morning but was returned a solid 8/1 shot in the betting ring.

Ken Condon trained the winner and said: “On his Laytown run (won a six furlong handicap) he had every chance.

“You could discount his last run at Listowel (sixth in an extended six furlong handicap) as the ground was too heavy for him and he struggled on it.

“He liked the quick ground here today and got a great start on the rail.”

Pat Martin’s Footprint grabbed second place at 7/1 while 5/1 favourite Beauty Express from Paul Deegan’s yard was a head away in third. Jumbo Steps kept his each way punters happy by completing the placings at 16/1, having been available at 25s in the morning.

Andrew Oliver’s Jouster was well supported at the track at all rates from 8/1 to 6/1 but he could make no impression back in seventh place.

Michael Graham