Blackstone Cliff defied a drift in the market to claim the second division of the ten furlong handicap at Dundalk for John McConnell.

The Canford Cliffs gelding had been as short as 11/8 this morning but went off an 11/4 shot.

Derby winning jockey Emmet McNamara produced his mount with a run on the outer down the straight and he gained a narrow lead a furlong out.

He stuck on well in the closing stages to post a length-and-three-quarters victory over 40/1 shot Dance Emperor

It was a second course and distance win for Blackstone Cliff and his fourth career success.

McConnell said:- “He’s got a bit of class and just needs to drop the bridle. When he does that he finishes.

“He’s in the online Sale at Goffs on Monday. Obviously I’d love to keep him but we’ll see what happens there. He could make a nice hurdler as he’s big enough.

“Fingers crossed he makes a nice price for the owner or I get to keep him!

“Emmet said he might be better in a better race as he has the class to travel. He’s still going the right way and is a nice horse.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)