TALENTED apprentice Wayne Hassett was the toast of Ballybrit on Tuesday when notching the biggest winner of his career aboard Joseph O’Brien’s Mexicali Rose in the feature €120,000 Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap.

The 5lb claimer got a dream run through on his 12/1 chance, who carried the colours of prominent racing pundit Kevin Blake. She dug in well to edge out Jessica Harrington’s 14/1 shot Norwalk Havoc by a neck.

A frantic pace can typically be expected in the day-two highlight, but the fractions were not overly taxing this time around, and a move in the early stages from the 18-year-old rider proved particularly astute. Having broken slightly slow, he allowed the Zoffany filly to roll closer to the pace and avoided any traffic issues as a result.

“She came up the hill lovely and flew through them without a bother,” said Hassett.

“I’d like to thank Joseph for giving me the ride on her again. He gave me loads of confidence going out, we broke a little slow but they went a good gallop and that's what she needed. Wherever I pointed her she went, she fought her way through and really came up the hill.

“They went a little too slow for her last time at Gowran [when sixth] as she wants a good pace and further. Everything went perfect today and she might improve again.

“I'm delighted to get this win under my belt and thanks to Joseph and Kevin Blake. I came up thinking I had a good chance and, thank God, she won.”

The well-bought 42,000gns purchase at last year’s Tattersalls December Mares Sale could be set for a quick return to Ballybrit on Thursday, having also been declared for the Listed Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Corrib Fillies Stakes.