Storm Steps wore down front-running Conor Hogan to land Dundalk's apprentice handicap for Tim Doyle and Ben Coen.

Conor Hogan dictated throughout this mile and a half but began to tread water in the final furlong as Storm Steps challenged.

Coen sent his mount on in the final 100 yards and the five-year-old gelding kept on well to fend off a staying-on Spelga (11/8 favourite) by half a length.

Conor Hogan had no more to give in third, beaten a length and three quarters by the winner.

Coen said: “I was talking to Shane (Foley) just before the race and he said that he travels well. He’s a big-striding horse and just keep it simple on him.

“He quickened up when I wanted him and he stayed galloping well. He’s in good form and I don’t see why he can’t keep improving.

“He likes the mile and a half around there and he hops off the surface.”

Storm Steps was following up on a course and distance handicap success at the end of October.

The Stewards interviewed A.J. Farragher, rider of Spelga (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that A.J. Farragher was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended A.J. Farragher for six race days pursuant to the provisions R10(6)(a).

Additional reporting by Alan Magee