Prendergast 1,2 in Dundalk opener

Hailstone and Brave Display took the first two positions in the Elusive Pimpernel Claiming Maiden (Plus 10 Race) for trainer Patrick Prendergast at Dundalk.

Brave Display put it up to them from the front but the Pat Smullen-ridden Hailstone collared his first-time visored stable companion close home for a half length win. Sixtysix threatened briefly to come through late and swamp the front pair, and that Willie McCreery filly ended up another half length off them in third.

"It's a good result as he's broken his duck. He wasn't going to win a handicap off 75 as my other horse who was second is a 55 and they are about the same at home," said Prendergast.

"That's why these claimers are important when you are in handicap wilderness. It was a plus ten bonus and he's a home-bred so it's great to win a maiden. These maiden claimers are a good concept.

"We get a nice pot and if he's claimed I wish his new owners the best of luck.

"The second horse ran very well. In a handicap he'd be getting 20lb."

(GC & EM)