"We got a bit of luck, for a change, and were on the right side of it," said Tom McCourt after Manorov landed the spoils by a nose from Lily's Prince in the opening Call Paddy Power For Free On 1800 721 821 Apprentice Handicap at Dundalk.

Ross Coakley 's mount Manorov came through from towards the rear, to close on the leaders a furlong and a half down.

The Sarah and Sean Foran-owned six-year-old made progress to lead under a furlong out, and he was soon ridden - strongly pressed close home, just holding on from Lily's Prince (had to switch in the run and ultimately just failed). Miracle Ninetynine finished well for third, a length and three parts further back.

McCourt added: "I thought he was going to get nabbed in the last 50 yards. When he gets to the front he doesn't do a whole lot. He quickens up and gets there too soon sometimes.

"It's good to get him back on a winning note. I thought the handicapper wasn't giving him much of a chance as he's still 2lb higher than when winning here last December and hasn't done a whole lot since.

"He might come back here next Friday for the 0-65. He wants top of the ground and I think he's better on the all-weather."

S.P. Davis, rider of Alnahar trained by Miss Natalia Lupini, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount caught a heel in the backstraight.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Shabra Emperor trained by Anthony McCann, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame on his left fore post race .

Anthony McCann, trainer of Shabra Emperor, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge was struck into during this race and was lame post race.

The Stewards requested a report from T.G.McCourt, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Manorov (GB), winner, as compared with its most recent run, here at Dundalk on September 4th, where he finished 10th of 14 runners, beaten over 8 lengths.

The trainer reported that he fancied him that day, but he disappointed for no obvious reason.

He decided to school him with a view to go hurdling, and one day after schooling and doing a piece of work, the rider informed him that he may benefit from the application of a tongue-strap.

Meanwhile, the national hunt ground went against him and so the trainer decided to run him back on the flat here, this time with a tongue-strap fitted, and any apparent improvement in form could be attributed to this.

Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

(GC & EM)