The Kevin Prendergast trained The Firm justified strong market support (8/15 favourite) to win the opening Fundraising Made Easy At Dundalk Stadium Claiming Maiden Dundalk this evening, under jockey Chris Hayes.

The son of Acclamation, carrying the colours of Prendergast's wife Lesley, was produced by Hayes to lead a furlong out, staying on well for a two and a half lengths win over Ballynakelly

Prendergast was absent but Hayes later said “it was a formality for him on form and figures and he did it well. It's nice to get the first winner of the year and it's for a very important owner in the yard!”

None of the runners in the race were subsequently claimed.

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee