Mr Michael shed his maiden tag at the 18th attempt at Down Royal today, landing the Apple Orchard Handicap for trainer Adrian Joyce and jockey Shane Foley.

The son of Bid Bad Bob was today having his 12th start this year and produced a nice turn of foot when quickening clear inside the final furlong, for a two and a half lengths win over Pillar

Former jockey Joyce later said “he has always showed us that ability, he has just been a bit slow to come to hand. The last three runs have been positive with him. He's down to that kind of a mark that he should be winning those kind of races. He ran in Gowran and he got no run - he got stopped a few times.

"Shane (Foley) gave him a beautiful ride there, he dropped him in and there was plenty of pace in the race. He came there and he won well. He stays six and he's quick enough for five so we'll go for something similar - a fast pace and he can come home well."

Quotes from Michael Graham