Hawkswood is a tough customer

Hawkswood saw off a tough opponent in Indian Scout here a week ago and the four-year-old son of Choisir again showed that he is 'up for a fight' when beating Word For Word in the DKIT Student Race Night Handicap at Dundalk.

The nicely-supported pair Word For Word and Bessie Lou looked to have big chances as the runners approached the business end but Hawkswood (pretty easy to back), in front from under two furlongs out, pulled out more when required by Pat Smullen to score by half a length and two and a quarter lengths. Well-backed favourite Coach Bombay (at least 9/2 this morning into 5/2) disappointed back in ninth.

Joe Murphy owns and trains the victorious tongue-tied four-year-old and his son, also Joe said: "He'd probably struggle in a better grade (this was a 47 to 65). He might win another one if the handicapper isn't too hard on him.

"He probably wants a mile and a half (this contest was run over an extended mile and a quarter).

"He needed every yard of that trip there and he'll probably go hurdling at some stage too." (MG & EM)