Falcon swoops to make bottom-weight count

The money for their gambled-on Noor Al Balad (6th in the colts and geldings maiden) stayed in the layers' satchels but Paul Deegan and Chris Hayes bounced back with another Jaber Abdullah runner, Creek Falcon in the second division of the Horse & Greyhound Racing 28th September Handicap at Dundalk.

Hayes was never that far away on the Elnadim three-year-old. He led inside the final quarter mile and kept older rivals Xsquared and Stronger Than Me at bay by a length and three parts and the same.

Deegan remarked: "He loved the surface. I'm not really sure what happened the last day (9th of 15 at Naas on August 6th on his handicap bow when favourite) but he seems to be going the right way now.

"It took him a few runs to get himself organised. He'll go to the sales at the end of the year and hopefully there's another day or two in him before that."

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Xsquared, ridden by W J Lee and Jeangeorges ridden by J P O’Brien where it appeared interference had taken place. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found W J Lee in breach of Rule 214 by riding carelessly and suspended him for two race days.

(AM & EM)