Newcomer Kirwans Lane justified strong market support in the concluding Four Roads (Pro/Am) Flat Race.

The Noel Meade trained chestnut was available at 10/3 last night, opening on-course at 6/4, before going off the 6/5 market leader.

Settled behind the leaders by Danny Benson, the son of Excellent Art came with his challenge over two furlongs from home.

He was ridden and had a good battle with Some Day Soon from over a furlong out, getting on top inside the final 150 yards, going on to score by two and a half lengths.

The aforementioned Some Day Soon finished second under Jamie Codd for Pat Flynn at 2/1, while the front-running Elusive Exclusive was another two and a quarter lengths back in third for Barry John Foley and Pat Murphy.

Meade said afterwards: "I think he's fairly good. He was green when he came off the bridle but to be honest he's never come off it before. Everything we have done with him has been easy.

"He was to go to Galway. A syndicate of seven lads own him but he ran in Finbarr Cahill's name today because the syndicate form didn't come back. They bought him one night having dinner in Galway and he's out of a half-sister to Hurricane Fly.

"I'd be surprised if he's not above average. I'm not a great one for winners' bumpers but he could run in one.

"We worked him for Galway and he worked really really well but he got a little bang in the piece of work and I was afraid to take any chances with him.

"Danny said he handled the ground well enough. He was bought in the Land Rover Sale and the whole idea was to run him in that but he got an infection in his wither and it took so long to get over it."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed Noel Meade, trainer, concerning the failure to nominate a rider before the designated time for Kirwans Lane. Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that he was unable to nominate Mr D.J. Benson as the rider, as the renewal of his riders licence had not been processed. Mr D.J. Benson stated that he had returned his licence renewal forms to the H.R.I but they appeared to have been mislaid and he had to reapply this morning when the Turf Club opened for business. He confirmed that his licence was granted this morning. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards accepted Noel Meade's explanation but cautioned Mr D.J. Benson concerning his responsibility to ensure that he had a valid riders licence when confirming his availability to ride.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee