The second day of Tralee may have been black for favourite backers, but it proved the highlight of apprentice Timmy Houlihan's short career as he took the featured Guinness Gold Cup on Bob What.
Born and raised in nearby Killorglin, the 17-year-old rode a cool finish to edge out the warm favourite Quinze by a short head and notch up his seventh winner.
"It's by far the biggest of my career," said Houlihan, who is apprenticed to Liam Browne and rode his first winner on the corresponding day last year.
"He telephoned, asking for the ride, so he is showing a bit of initiative," said Bob What's trainer Paddy Mullins. It was a second success in the race for Mullins and a commendable fourth win in a row for Bob What, who will now be sent hurdling.
"He is crying out for hurdles and he could run in Listowel if the ground was really good," said Mullins. "We will keep him going - he hasn't been wound up yet!"
The punters knew from that start it would be a tough day, as two odds-on favourites were turned over.
It Happens Now started 4 to 5 for the juvenile maiden but it could only finish fifth to the Aidan O'Brien-trained Adelphi Theatre, who started at a remarkable 6 to 1. The full brother to Yeoman's Point led after a furlong and was never threatened.
Dance So Suite was 8 to 11 for the Beginners Chase but jumped sketchily and finished a distant third to More Than A Stroll. "He's a great jumper and his bit of experience helped," said the winner's trainer Arthur Moore.
In desperation, punters plunged on Perugino Diamond to get them out of trouble in the three-year-old hurdle, but the 2 to 5 hot pot crashed out at the sixth flight when tracking Fable.
It did prove a memorable day for another apprentice though as Mary Williamson (23), had her first winner on Adari in the apprentice handicap.
From the West Cork village of Leap, Williamson looked a very tidy rider, which is not surprising considering she spent last winter riding in Florida and New York.
Co Clare trainer Donie Hassett took the mile handicap with Simply Monarch, and then completed a double with Legal Action, who overhauled Triple Triumph in the closing stages of the bumper.
