Clere digs deep for Bowen

John Nallen's Cristal Clere proved best in a three-way finish to the mile maiden at Dundalk this evening.

Sean Bowen partnered the Harzand gelding for his uncle and was keen to be prominent on the well-backed 9/4 shot (7/1 in morning).

He disputed with 6/5 favourite Bold Ribb after a furlong and led after three furlongs.

The front pair fought it out from the two pole with Cyclamen coming to press in the closing stages.

Cristal Clere found a bit more late on to secure a neck success over the Ballydoyle filly as Bold Ribb gave way.

Bowen said: "It's great to get his head in front.

"He was proven over further, so I was keen to use his stamina and he found for me. I was headed a small bit early, but I wanted to go on from Dylan (Browne McMonagle).

"That's eight winners for me now."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)