Despite appearing to face a stiff task at the weights, the Ado McGuinness trained Hezahunk opened his account when getting up close home to beat odds-on favourite Ateenosix in the Friday Night Lights At Dundalk Claiming Maiden.

From a mark of 47, the Fast Company gelding looked up against it, taking on a Michael Halford and Tracey Collins trained market leader rated 20lb higher.

However, despite having to wait for a gap to appear on the far side of the track over a furlong from home, the Adam Caffrey ridden 11/2 chance showed plenty determination to get up close home to edge out the 4/5f. Adam's Boy kept on well back in third for Michael Browne and Keithen Kennedy.

It's a long time coming with this fella!” said Ado McGuinness.

“We were retiring him, getting rid of him, sending him home and then bringing him back. Fair play to Mark (Devlin) and the lads (Nigel O'Hare & Philip Smith) they've stuck with him.

“This is his gig, up here in this place, and he was weighted well at €5,000.

“He's a good old fun horse, he does through an odd wobbly one but he's after coming back solid this year after a good long break during the summer.

“He's in good form and we'll see what the handicapper does with him. He'll probably go back for a handicap if he's not claimed.”

There were no claims following this race.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.