Joint outsider of the field at 20/1 with the withdrawn Positive Vibes (got loose at the stalls and necessitated a ten minute delay) Regal Warrior gave winter series 'find' Robbie Downey another winner in the Chinesse New Year Celebrations At Dundalk Stadium Apprentice Handicap.

Downey was registering his ninth victory on the polytrack since November 8th and he has a very impressive strike rate to boot.

The veteran Regal Warrior dwelt and he made headway in the straight from mid-division.

The pace-setting First Friday edged right from over a furlong out and at the finish Regal Warrior had half a length in hand.

Jimmy Lambe has care of Regal Warrior for James Callow and the County Armagh-based trainer said: "He appreciated the good ground. He's won around here before and he'll benefit a bit from that run.

"We'll wait for some good ground before we go back over hurdles now."

The Stewards informed A.L.T.Moore, trainer that Positive Vibes (GB), would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Hareth trained by C.F. Swan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Pivot Bridge (GB), at the request of trainer, Adrian McGuinness, and reported the animal clinically abnormal post race.

(AM & EM)