Downey at double with gambled-on Poitin

A morning-price gamble was landed on Poitin who burst away from the pack to decisively win the mile and a half handicap in Dundalk.

Before racing commenced this evening she had been the subject of support from 16/1 to 7/1 and was sent off at 8/1.

From mid-division she started to make hier move with less than a quarter of a mile to travel. She made relentless progress under Robbie Downey to collar Carried approaching the final furlong.

The turbo soon kicked in as she powered away in the latter stages to win by three lengths. Ancient Sands (9/1) and Carried (7/1) completed the places with a nose between that pair.

“That was lovely. She improves every time we come back,” trainer Keith Clarke said.

“In a better class of race they went a good gallop the whole way and she got a lovely run.

“I thought off a mark of 78 she might be caught out but she proved me wrong once again.

“We'll probably venture into black-type company and see if she's capable. She's after winning five for me and is entitled to have a go but it will have to be on good ground.

“I'm still adamant that she'll go hurdling as she jumps well.

“I have to give a special mention to Kenny McCrossan who rides her at home and was adamant that she was the best she has been all season.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson