Stanhope made a winning debut for Damian English at Dundalk today when leading home a 1-2 for the trainer in the opening Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Handicap.

Ridden by 10lbs claiming jockey Stephen Mooney, the son of Equiano made much of the running and in the end beat stablemate Dance Alone by half a length.

Stanhope won once from 17 starts for trainer Simon Crisford in Britain and following today's debut win for the Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate, English stated “we thought he'd need the run to be honest and we fancied Dance Alone big time. I told Stephen going out 'try for your life but he might just come up short fitness-wise'.

“Credit to the horse he's dug deep and he could be a right little sprinter for the winter.”

The trainer added “we bought this lad at the Autumn sales and thought he'd be a nice sprinter for up here.

“We threw him down to Francis Casey when we got him; he's had him for a long time and we've only had him for a few weeks.

“There is a race here next week over six, worth €15,000 to the winner, and if he comes out of this well we might let him tip on into that.

“I have to credit my brother Craig as well as Stephen (Mooney) because I've just had a cruciate injury and the lads are keeping the show running in the yard. They're doing a great job so fair play to them.

“That's Stephen's third winner so he loses the 10lb now. I'm delighted as that's my first one-two as well.”

Quotes from Gary Carson