Ahyoka defies wide draw to claim Dundalk opener

Ahyoka showed plenty of toe to get over from a wide draw and claim the opening five-furlong handicap at Dundalk this evening.

Kieran Cotter 's charge had finished a close sixth on her handicap debut at the Curragh last month and went off a 15/2 shot tonight.

Colin Keane was soon prominent on the Zebedee filly and drove her into the lead under two furlongs out.

The grey kept on well in the closing stages to record a length-and-a-half verdict over Too Hard To Hold

“We were delighted with that. I couldn't believe she was 10/1 this morning given her good run at the Curragh,” said Cotter.

“She's been improving all the time and she was a good buy for €600 by Niall O'Callaghan down in Cork. He was up last week and will be thrilled that she's won.

“She was still a bit free, that was only her fifth run. Hopefully she'll be able to carry a penalty and go on again.

“We fancied her coming here, we thought if we got a low draw we'd be home and hosed. She was drawn on the outside but we told Colin to go forward.

“There was nothing for her immediately but we're in no panic, she'll be up and down here for the winter.”