A course and distance winner here on December 1st, California Lad supplemented those gains in split two of the www.dundalkstadium.com Handicap tonight.

Fifth since in the middle of last month over a mile and a half, California Lad was more at home here over the extended ten furlongs.

The Daniel MacAuliffe and Anoj Don Partnership-owned and Fergal Birrane-trained 11/4 market-leader got a lovely steer from Denis Linehan on this occasion.

He controlled things beautifully on the front end and his mount clung on at the end by a head and the same from Carvelas and No Way Jack

"He just held on at the line. That seems to be his distance," said Biranne.

"We thought the last day the pace was a little bit slow for him and he was just getting caught the far side. He got stuck third or fourth and Padraig was left standing on him.

"Today we said we'd let him out in front and set the pace. Denis gave him some ride. He was brilliant on him and did everything he was told.

"We'll keep on the go here and maybe go hurdling down the line. Things are going brilliant at the moment."

The Stewards fined Edward U.Hales, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Polymnia (GB), in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

D.E. Sheehy, rider of Cristal Icon trained by Thomas Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung in the straight.

(GC & EM)