Cosmos keeps Irish fires burning for Thistle

Plenty attracted interest in the betting for the Cassidys XL Carrickmacross Handicap at Dundalk, including the favourite Equation Of Time (9/2 into 11/4 fav). However the bookmakers came out on the right side of this one as Dancing Cosmos (15/2 out to 8s) upstaged the market-leader by a length.

Wayne Lordan sported the Thistle Bloodstock Limited silks on Dancing Cosmos as their retained rider Tadhg O'Shea is of course in Dubai. He led over a furlong out and stayed on well under pressure inside the last.

Another one for money in this mile contest, Fleet Captain (9s into 6s) finished fourth.

"We'll see what the handicapper does and probably find another one for her here.

"She loves to be mad fresh and seems back to herself. Physically she is very well.

"She's still improving so hopefully we can find another one somewhere," reported winning trainer Pat Shanahan in the aftermath. (GC & EM)