Croisultan scores on first start for Weld

On his first start for Dermot Weld Croisultan under Pat Smullen got up close home to deny the 9/2 favourite Maarek in the Irish Field Handicap.

The 6yo son of Refuse to Bend won four races for his former trainer Liam McAteer (including the Listed Belgrave Stakes at Fairyhouse back in 2010) but failed to score last season after seven starts however he was Group 3 placed in the Renaissance Stakes over the course and distance last September.

Having opened at 7/1 on course the winning chestnut gelding was well supported and was returned at just 5's.

The David Nagle trained Maarek (opened on track at 11/2 and was backed into 9/2 favourite) hit the front under Seamie Heffernan a furlong from home but the winner who was waited with early on made headway from over a furlong out and ran on well inside the final furlong to lead near the line. Glor Na Mara was a further length and a quarter back in third under Kevin Manning for trainer Jim Bolger.

Winning trainer Dermot Weld said afterwards: "He will run next in the Cork Stakes (Easter Saturday, April 7th) provided the ground is not firm.

"It was a good performance carrying 9-12 (top weight) and he had been working nicely at home.

"I got him just after Christmas and he had run some very good races with Liam McAteer."