Reckless Lad took advantage of some leniency from the handicapper to open his account in division one of the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Apprentice Handicap.

The Chevalier three-year-old has dropped 10lb in the ratings since June despite making the frame on a number of occasions, and swooped late here under Conor Hoban.

In fact the Pat Martin-trained gelding passed most of the field in the straight, weaving a path between horses to get up close home.

The 7/1 chance touched off Secret Locket (14/1) by a neck, with Nics Montoya (14/1) weakening to finish nearly three lengths further back in third.

Martin said, “I thought he’d no chance turning in he was so far back but he got there at the right time.

“His form was solid enough his last four runs, and he didn’t get the run of the race at Gowran the last day.”