Jamie Spencer extended his advantage at the head of the apprentice championship when completing a near 78 to 1 double at a poorly attended Clonmel yesterday.

The talented Tipperary rider was seen at his strongest when getting favourite Cotopaxi up in the final strides to pip Brownsfield by a head in the Derrinstown Stud Claiming Apprentice Race. "Jamie was very strong when it counted, and we may go now for a handicap at Galway next Wednesday," said winning trainer Michael Cunningham.

Spencer moved onto the 39 winners mark, seven ahead of nearest rival Fran Berry, when Dellsboy caused a shock in the ten furlong September Handicap. The Tom Foley-trained gelding forced the pace, and kept on well when challenged in the straight to beat All-stars Rocket by two lengths.

Gothic Theme finally opened her account when making all under John Murtagh in the Rathronan Maiden. The well-bred daughter of Zafonic was driven along from the home turn, and stayed on well to beat Southern Man by three and a half lengths.

Barry Heffernan picked up a two-day suspension for excessive use of the whip on Common Currency, who filled third spot behind Adradee in the Powerstown Handicap Hurdle.

Gold Academy recaptured his sparkle at York yesterday and helped Pat Eddery to a 126 to 1 plus treble.

The ex-champion guided Gold Academy to an impressive win in record time in the Strensall Stakes.

The success was sandwiched between victories for Eddery aboard the juveniles Dashing Duke and The Wife.

Gold Academy pulled away in style from the furlong pole to defeat Diamond White.

Barney Curley secured his first success at York as Silvertown, backed down to 2 to 1 from 3s, scraped home by a head from Typhoon Ginger in the Bounty Arts Apprentice Handicap.