Emperor rules at Dundalk

Shabra Emperor s 14/1 win in the Hen & Stag Packages At Dundalk Stadium Handicap at Dundalk this evening wasn't a surprise to everyone as his trainer Anthony McCann later admitted he "couldn't understand" the gelding's morning price of 25/1.

Ridden by Fran Berry, the son of Holy Roman Emperor came later and wide for his length win and a pleased McCann was refreshingly honest in his appraisal, saying "I was very keen on him and couldn't understand why he was 25/1 this morning!"

The trainer has made a good start in his career and regarding this his fifth winner, added "he travelled well but was a bit keen at the start as he was stepping back up to a mile.

"Fran gave him a superb ride and everything fell into place for him which it has to do. He'll probably go back on the turf now."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson