Catch Cunningham ridden by Oisin McSweeney in the beige with yellow diamond
York racecourse hosted the latest round of the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series, supported by White Rose Saddlery with the Firmament Apprentice Stakes which took place at their Family Fun Day on Sunday 4th October.
All fifteen runners went to post for a race run over the shortest trip of five furlongs. The three jockeys at the top of the table were all competing, as the riders look to close the gap on Ryan Sexton who has achieved a comfortable lead to date.
After a fairly even break, Sacred Jewel in the hands of Christian Howarth took an early lead with Catch Cunningham and last year’s series winner, Oisin McSweeney in second plus Mattice, Riversway and Sophie’s Star close behind.
Sacred Jewel was in a comfortable lead after the first furlong and attempted to make all. She was still go strongly with two furlongs to go as the remainder of the runners started to urge their mounts home. It was here that Oisin McSweeney dropped his stick and reverted to a strong hands and heel effort, now in fourth place.
Silky Wilkie came with a wet sail up the stands side rail, while Mattice and Fast Response were doing the same on the other side but it was a strong drive from Oisin McSweeney that got Catch Cunningham to the line first, a neck ahead of Sacred Jewel and First Response, ridden by Pierre-Louis Jamin a further half-length back in third.
Ryan Sexton retains his position at the top of the leader board with 57 points, but this win for Oisin puts him into a clear second with 42 points and these two look to have it between them as we head into the next round at Catterick on Saturday 15th October.