The second split of the 45-65 handicap over a mile saw Ellabella (7/2) gain her third win in her last four visits to Dundalk.

The Pride Of Dubai filly was ridden prominently as usual and got to the front after a furlong and a half. Nicely clear at halfway, she began to drift right approaching the final furlong and was all out to hold the late thrust of gambled-on favourite Court of Appeal (12s into 11/4 fav before the off).

The winner’s three course and distance successes have been by a head, a short head and on this occasion by a nose.

Winning trainer Andrew McNamara reported by phone, “Jack (Kearney) is obviously a very clued-in fella and he did a good job as she can be an awkward ride, she’s keen and hangs.

“She wasn’t getting there over seven furlongs but when we upped her to a mile she’s come out on the right side of three close finishes. That’s another one for the landlord (owner, Margaret Heffernan).”

Kearney (16), and a fifth-year student at St. Patrick’s Classical School in Navan, said: “She travelled very comfortably with me. She hung a bit right in the straight but she got the job done. I’m with Noel Meade and took out my licence in August. That’s my second winner."

AM & MN