APOLLO’S Comet just held on to win the opening Irish EBF Auction Series Race to kick off a double for Jessica Harrington and Shane Foley. Sent off 2/1 favourite, the Omega Racing, Seamus McGowan and Niall McInerney-owned filly withheld the late challenge of Sea Of Rain by a nose.

Assistant trainer Kate Harrington said: “She had a lovely run the first day. She didn’t get the clearest of gaps at the bottom of the home straight in Fairyhouse. I think she would have been a lot closer.