Kilkenny trainer John Nicholson was in the winner's enclosure this afternoon after his charge Mrs Batt landed the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap in the hands of Robbie Walsh.

Connections had a few anxious moments as they had to survive a lengthy Stewards Enquiry after Mrs Batt veered slightly right and hampered Mill Moss (3rd) close to the line.

A relieved Nicholson said afterwards: "That was my first flat winner. This filly had a lot of foot problems in the past."

"She had a run on the flat at the back end of last season but she just wasn't ready. We always thought a lot of her."

"Kevin Manning recommended that we put blinkers on her and that seemed to have done the trick. Hopefully she'll keep going now."