Chestnut burns off rivals on the sand

Chestnut Fire made it 3-0 for backers in the opening three races as the progressive gelding landed some nice bets in the Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Handicap.

Michael Halford and Shane Foley are a combination to fear on the Polytrack, and punters took the hint with early quotes of 5/1 with Paddy Power quickly snapped up.

The son of Showcasing, who opened his account also over seven furlongs at Fairyhouse in September, was further supported on course from 11/4 into 9/4 favourite.

Sporting the familiar green colours of Paul Rooney, Foley oozed confidence as his mount cruised to the front a furlong out and he didn't need to get serious to score by a length. Split The Atom kept on one paced to take second, with Kodiac's Back a further two lengths adrift in third. Poetic Choice was disqualified from fifth place after Padraig Beggy failed to weigh in.

Halford said, "He's a genuine straight forward horse. He loved the surface and it was a good trip for him.

"He was doing enough to stay in front. It's a bit different for them here first time under the lights and some look around more than others.

"He'll give Paul plenty of fun. Unfortunately we had to retire Alvar and he's a replacement for him. He's the type that will give you everything every time you ask him."

(GC & AM)