Michael Halford had plenty of praise for winning jockey Conor Hoban after he partnered Hujaylea to victory in the mile handicap at Dundalk.

The gelding hit the front a furlong from home and soon asserted. He kept on well to score by three-quarters-of-a-length from stable-mate Saint By Day

"He had to sit and suffer but it suits him racing that way," said Halford.

"Conor did well. He got him out into a nice position and he travelled well. He loves to race that way.

"They went a good gallop and it was a better class of race. He's the model of consistency and I'm delighted with him.

"Conor gave him a good ride and I might have found another apprentice. He's making good progress. We didn't push him and he's starting to do things right."