The Eddie Lynam owned and trained Peace Officer scored at the seventh attempt in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Maiden at Dundalk.

Visored for the first-time, the Oisin Orr-ridden US-bred was always up there.

Despite the strong late finish of Smart Stinger Peace Officer had done enough having led entering the straight, to hold on by a short head.

"He wasn't doing that much when he got there but thankfully he got his head in front, that's the main thing," said Orr.

"We went hard early on but he's a horse that keeps going so I had to kick early. It worked out well.

"He has plenty of runs now so it's nice to get his head in front."

The Stewards interviewed C.D. Hayes, rider of Smart Stinger (USA), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found C.D. Hayes to be in breach of Regulations 10.3(d) in that he used his whip after the winning post was reached, 10.3(f) in that he used his whip with excessive frequency and 10.4 in that he used his whip without giving his mount time to respond.

Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended C.D. Hayes for 3 racedays.

The Stewards informed Patrick Martin, trainer that Creggs Lad would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

(GC & EM)