Johnny Murtagh produced Achak with a well-timed run to pounce late in the opening sprint at Dundalk today.

The Ger Lyons-trained gelding burst through close home to land the spoils by half a length from 33/1 shot Sampers

"Nina rode him in England and Johnny said to me afterwards in the weigh room to drop him back to five," said Lyons.

"He's always had a lot of ability but getting it out of him is the thing. I was training him for Galway but the ground went against him.

"He's off on the plane on Thursday to Paddy Gallagher in Santa Anita. Hopefully he'll earn his way there."