Apprentice Joe Leavy bounces back from title near-miss and continues fine form with a double

Joe Leavy shrugged off his final-day defeat in the apprentice championship to ride two winners and continue his excellent form.

A late surge last week gave him a slim hope of catching longtime leader Sean Dylan Bowen, but he ultimately fell three short of his rival's tally of 45.

He was back to his best on his first ride since Catterick on Saturday, scoring a half-length victory on Sabrimento in the 5f nursery before guiding 5-2 shot Mintana to a four-length success for key supporter James Evans.

Mintana's win was his 17th for the Worcestershire operation, which also gave Leavy his biggest winner when Dream Composer landed the Dash on Derby day at Epsom.

Evans said: "Joe's had a great year and there were some cracking riders battling it out in the apprentice championship. They've done a great job and you'd be proud of all of them.

"We latched on to Joe early and he's been great. Winning on Dream Composer was great. He had to do 8st and I didn't dream Joe would be able to do the weight but it all worked out well. It was a heck of a day for all of us.

"The filly [Mintana] has had a great year. She's only lowly rated but she's got a heart of gold and loves her racing. It's great to continue a good season."

Dunsdon's nine-year wait over

David Dunsdon rode his first Flat winner since July 2015 when partnering French Martini to victory in the 2m1f amateurs' handicap.

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