Shukhov got in as a reserve to the Maggie May's Loughrea Handicap and he proceeded to keep up the good work for trainer Johnny Levins and rider Fergal Lynch.

Lynch is of course now well back amongst the winners since starting back cross-channel and he was also on the mark yesterday on Levins' Havelock Ellis at Dundalk.

Here the victorious 11/1 chance, from 12s, chased the leaders and eventually headed the pace-setting Cairdiuil inside the final hundred yards, going on to score by two lengths from Moonmeister

"That was grand. It probably took me long enough to find out what trip he wanted," acknowledged Levins.

He then explained: "He is a horse that just needs things to fall right for him and Fergal gave him the most intelligent ride because he is a horse that loves to think he is travelling and he just kept taking him back and taking him back.

"He is a horse than when things go right he is way better than his mark and he just fell down through the ratings through no fault of his own.

"Hopefully now that he got his head in front that he can go on from here with his confidence back."

Looking to the future Levins said: "He should be able to pick up a few more. I'm looking forward to campaigning him on the all-weather at Dundalk during the winter as I think that is where he excels. Maybe he will have another run on the turf before the ground goes." Sweet Refusal pulled up here with a pelvic injury.

L.F. Roche, rider of Sweet Refusal, trained by Michael Mulvany, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost her action in running and was pulled up.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Sweet Refusal, trained by Michael Mulvany, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame on her left hind post race.

(DM & EM)