Upped to a mile and a half three weeks on from a breakthrough success at the venue, Wooster followed up in the Jolly January Dining At Dundalk Handicap.

Chris Hayes was aboard the Duke Of Marmalade gelding this time, and the 7/1 shot came through travelling well from mid-division early in the straight.

Taking over a furlong and a half out, Wooster was ridden and kept on well inside the final furlong to defeat Commander Won and Shadagann (slow starter, fast finisher) by a length and quarter and half a length.

"He's improving every week. Chris said that there is a nice handicap in him somewhere along the line," said winning trainer Noel Kelly.

"He said he wouldn't be afraid to even go back on the grass as he travelled like a demon, got there and won nicely.

"I thought the handicapper was sore on him when he gave me 8lb but maybe he knew more than me!

"I'm a man that likes hurdling but after that he might have to stick to the Flat for a while. It's hard to pass up on prize-money.

"I was very impressed with him tonight. He's been a very good buy, touch wood, and he's paid for himself anyway."

(GC & EM)