Shane Crosse went level with Ben Coen at the top of the apprentice table when landing race three at Leopardstown for Joseph O'Brien on Arcturus (8/1).

It's bunched up top between Crosse, Coen, Killian Leonard and Tom Madden, but the winning jockey here put himself in with every chance with his 20th success of the campaign.

Listowel maiden victor Arcturus made a winning debut in the sphere, in this Leopardstown "Christmas Cracker" Nursery Handicap (Plus 10 Race), upstaging Harvest Bow by a length and a half.

"Joseph has given me a lot of opportunities, and on a day like today when all the lads have a big job to do in England then I get to take a part here. A big thanks to Aidan as well who put me up on two maidens earlier in the day," said Crosse.

"If I had a target at the start of the season then I have exceeded it as I couldn't have dreamt how things are going at the moment.

"Today is only this horse's third run. He did well to get the split in Listowel, and today I didn't think I was going to get there as easy but he did. He had a bit of a look in front and I think if there was one to bring him to the line then he would have won a bit more snug."

(AM & EM)