Donagh O'Connor wins on his 1st attempt aboard Amanaat

Drawn widest in eleven Amanaat overcame the impediment to take the opening sprint at Dundalk, the BetVictor Handicap.

Donagh O’Connor dropped the James McAuley-owned and Denis Hogan-trained 8/1 shot in towards the rear.

Amanaat then came through between horses inside the last to beat Smart Stinger and favourite Stanhope by a length and three parts and a neck.

The winning rider said: "They went hard in front. He didn't have a great draw; Denis (Hogan) just told me to slot across, keep him travelling and come up between them. 

"It helped him that they were stopping in the last furlong and I was able to just come along and pick up the pieces.

"He found plenty of gears for me and travelled really well into it.

"It was a good start to the year."

(MG & EM)