Pillar brought up plenty of bets when delivering from the front in the first division of the six-furlong handicap at Dundalk.

Ado McGuinness' charge was a morning-price mover as he contracted to 7/2 from 6/1 before being returned at an SP of 5/1.

Champion apprentice Gavin Ryan cut him across from stall 11 to lead approaching the bend. The pair then increased the advantage to three lengths at the halfway point. Woodrow and double-seeking Rory Cleary closed coming to the final furlong but Ryan had merely got a breather into his partner who strode home to score by two and a quarter lengths. Jered Maddox (4/1 joint favourite) got up for second by a short head from Woodrow (5/1).

This victory saw Ryan ride out his 3lb claim.

Ado McGuinness said: “I suppose I don’t want this year to end. I’d be about the only one who wouldn’t be giving out about 2020!

“This fella is a real star in the yard when he gets into his grade. He surprised me as he did that quite easily and is in great form.

“He takes very little work at home, and I’m delighted for Sean Gallagher who is a long-standing supporter of mine and it’s great for him to get another winner.

“He ran over five here the last night and was run of his feet. Colin (Keane) rode him and said they went hard because for him to be taken off his feet they have to go very fast.”

Gavin Ryan said: “I’ve got great support from my boss Donnacha O’Brien as well as Ado and so many different trainers. My agent Dave Kenna has also done a great job.

“I’m delighted to be champion apprentice and now to ride my claim out as well.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee