Never far from the pace on the inside, Ivy Avenue (7/1) landed the CorkRacecourse.ie Apprentice Handicap in the hands of Luke McAteer.

The daughter of Ivawood, twice a winner over a mile on softer ground last year, challenged from over a furlong out and got the better of a good tussle with Na Caith Tobac (11/1) by half a length.

The 13/8 favourite Morph Speed a winner earlier in the week at Tipperary, was dropped in off a relatively sedate gallop and made up plenty of ground in the straight to finish a never nearer third.

The winner is trained by Jim Bolger for long-time patrons of the yard Patricia and Colm O’Rourke.

Winning rider Luke McAteer commented: “She did it well. I broke smart and got a nice position on the rail and it was fairly simple from there and we got in a battle with Paul Flynn's horse (runner-up Na Caith Tobac).

"It was her first time on ground as quick as that and it didn't bother her. She is four now so you'd like to think there is improvement in her."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes