Published: Friday, 26th June, 2009 2:00pm

Apprentices still learning

by Rose Harland

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WHEN it comes to business Sir Alan Sugar is known for backing a winner and three of his Apprentice candidates were hoping some of his good judgement had rubbed off when they enjoyed a day at the races, writes Lucy Crossley.

Contestants from this year"s BBC one show Debra Barr, James McQuillan and Howard Ebison all put their boardroom battles behind them to spend a day at Royal Ascot on Friday.

Keen punter James said: 'We had a wonderful day but I haven"t won a bean, I never do. I"m the most knowledgable of all the Apprentices when it comes to horse racing but I"ve not had much luck betting.

'I"ve never been to Ascot before and it has blown my socks off, it looks like the death star and the facilities are awesome.'

Fellow contestant Howard said although the trio hadn"t had much luck betting, Sir Alan would still be pleased with their efforts.

He said: 'He wouldn"t be keen on losing money but he"d be up for us taking a gamble in the first place.'

Debra, who came third in the show, narrowly missing out on a place in the final to eventual winner and Berkshire restaurateur Yasmina Siadatan, said she had enjoyed her day.

She said: 'It was my first time at Ascot, but I have fallen in love with it and I want to come back next year.'