The market leaders battled it out in the opening claimer at Dundalk with Crystal Dawn coming out on top under young Sam Ewing.

The Gavin Cromwell-trained filly went to post the 9/4 joint favourite with Lilandra and the pair were locked together from a furlong-and-a-half out.

Crystal Dawn edged ahead inside the final furlong and kept on gamely to the line to record a half length success.

The winner was recording her third win at the track having won in handicap company last week.

Ewing said afterwards:- “That’s her third win around here this season. She’s a nice filly with a lot of gears and has done it very nicely in the end.”

There were no claims after the race.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)