Jamie Powell is looking good to be crowned champion apprentice at the Curragh on Sunday and the victory of Barbapapa in the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap moved him five clear in the title race.

The 9/2 chance raced close to the pace and turned for home in second. In front 2f out, he was ridden out by Powell to see off the challenge of The Bog Bank by a length and quarter.

Trained by Henry de Bromhead for Kenny Haughey and Kieran Byrne, this was a third win for the Starspangledbanner gelding.

Jamie Powell said: "A mile is ideal I think, he ran over seven a few times. He travels well and stays galloping.

"He ran in Laytown the last day with no headgear on the beach, the cheekpieces really helped him as well. He's a big honest horse, but it just helps him travel through his race.

To be fair, he jumped and travelled and picked up and stayed going so can't complain."

Powell outlined in his racing story on this site a year ago about giving the champion apprentice a go this season and, when asked about potentially fulfilling that goal, added: "I've had a great year, I think I am five ahead and the season ends on Sunday.

"Any time you ride more winners than the previous year it is a great year. I'm grateful to connections for supporting me and giving me the opportunities."

Quotes from Michael Graham