Kateeva produced a fine front-running performance to claim the Derrinstown Apprentice Handicap at Tipperary.

Joe Fogarty 's charge kept on strongly in the closing stages to record a length-and-a-half success over Queen Grace

It was a welcome return to the winners' enclosure for Katherine O'Brien, who suffered a heavy fall at Sligo last August.

The Dingle-native and former pony racing champion had broken her arm and ribs in the fall and had only one ride since, last December.

She was recording her second win on the racecourse, having recorded her debut victory last July.

The victory was a pleasant surprise for local trainer Fogarty:- "I thought she was exposed but she runs well fresh. I thought coming here she might need better ground."