Only sixth over a mile at Thurles yesterday when partnered by Colin Keane, Church Mountain (11/2) made a quick reappearance in the William Hill Top Price Apprentice Handicap and produced a better performance under Jack Kearney to record his fifth career victory.

The Pride Of Dubai gelding had only a couple of rivals behind him turning for home but, having been switched towards the stands' side, began to make headway from early in the straight and stayed on well to lead inside the final furlong. 

The six-year-old, trained by Denis Hogan for Joseph Kelly, scored by a length-and-a-quarter from the always-prominent Koniag

“All his best form was over a mile," said Kearney

“Recently he's been breaking slow and Denis just said that I'd have to ride him that way. 

“He said to get a bit of cover, ride him as you find him and keep codding him along. He's a bit of a tricky old customer but, in fairness to him, I kept the bit high in his mount and he did it well. 

“He hangs right and I didn't have much choice but to come wide. I have to say thanks to Denis for the ride, that's my first ride for him.” 

Quotes from Gary Carson