Better ground seems to have re-invigorated Core Element who took the apprentices handicap at Gowran Park by a healthy two and three parts of a length.

Emmet McNamara, who rode his first winner without a claim, said: “She did it well. She’s a tough filly and got seven furlongs well. Shane [Buggy] had her in good form.”

The 9/1 winner, had run well on the sand at Laytown 10 days ago when just pipped by a nose over seven furlongs. She was raised a pound in the weights for that, but confirmed her well-being when forging clear today.

She had previously run up a hat-trick of wins in May, June and July last year. Ocean Drift (8/1), Eljowzah (8/1) and Jumbo Steps (14/1) completed the placings.

(On course reporting by Alan Magee)