The 2022 Irish Flat racing year got off to an exciting start as Brushwork just came out on top in a thrilling three-way photo for the opening Happy New Year From Dundalk Stadium Handicap.

The Kyllachy gelding won his opening three starts all over six furlongs for Charlie Hills back in 2019 but was absent over 20 months before showing steady improvement for Johnny Levins. No Speed Limit has been a model of consistency here this winter and was still in front well inside the final furlong. However, he gave best in the closing stages with Donagh O’Connor getting Brushwork up to score at odds of 100/30. Adams Barbour also finished well a neck back in second, with No Speed Limit having to settle for third just a nose further back.

Levins said, "That was grand. I was interested to see how he would cope, dropping him back to five. They went a really good gallop which was probably a big help as we know he stays six.

“I left him a little bit short today just to keep him a little bit fresh. I would imagine he would improve a little off this run.

“Whether we come back here or not, I'm not sure, I'll have to discuss it with David (Spratt, owner). He's not just an all-weather horse and long term we could look at something like the Scurry with him.

“He'll have a couple more runs before then. He's very tough, very genuine, and he'd go through the pain barrier for you. He has the speed for five furlongs and stays six, that's kind of what you want for the Scurry so that might be the long-term plan.”

(GC & AM)