Halford's Bil Zain impresses in BetVictor Rated Race

Ahlan Bil Zain (5s into 4s) lit up Dundalk with an impressive performance to land the BetVictor Rated Race.

Ben Coen ’s mount careered away inside the last to account for The Game Of Life (7/4 out to 100/30) by three and three parts of a length.

Ben Coen’s relations, the Slatterys, had the third home, Eacharn a head behind.

A gamble on Arbourfield (6s into 11/4 favourite) went astray as Prunella Dobbs’ charge finished last.

Winning trainer Michael Halford said afterwards: "He has (done that very nicely). The blinkers have obviously done plenty for him and the last night did his confidence good.

"He looked in great form since at home even though we weren't doing much with him - he had a bit of a swagger about him.

"It was a good performance so he obviously is thriving.

"We'll have a think about it but it is always an option to go back on grass, I'll see what there is for him.

"I'm delighted for the lads (the owners), they have had to be patient with him.  They are from Naas and Dublin."

D.M. Simmonson, rider of Ahundrednotout (GB) trained by John James Feane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount's saddle slipped in the back straight.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Arbourfield, trained by Mrs Prunella Dobbs, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(MG & EM)