Cleary & Cotter combine with Sam's Xpress

The Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap went the way of Sam's Xpress with Jack Cleary aboard this Kieran Cotter-trained four-year-old.

Twice successful at the all-weather venue early last year, the Gerrit O'Reilly-owned brown could only manage sixth when sent off favourite on his most recent start.

Returned an 11/2 chance this evening (drifted from 3s), the 51-rated gelding soon raced in fourth under Cleary, taking closer order from the two furlong pole.

Pushed along to challenge with over a furlong to go, he was soon ridden to the front and kept on strongly from there to win by a length and a half.

The Ado McGuinness-trained Hezahunk (25/1) kept on well to take second under Jamie Powell, while Overdue Revival (20/1) was another three quarters of a length back in third.

Beaten by just a nose last Friday, Cross Border was returned the 9/4 favourite and he finished a disappointing seventh.

"He travelled very good for me. The lads just wanted to try something different there today with him, but he seemed to enjoy it," Cleary reflected.

"We are all delighted with him.

"He was on song and the lads had him in great form, so I'm delighted to do it for the lads.

"They were confident enough, they said he had been going well at home. I was confident enough of a big run as well."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham