Salutem gains deserved success

In Salutem gained a deserved victory when running out a cosy winner of the seven-furlong maiden at Dundalk.

Fran Berry always had the 2/1 second choice handy and he took over from front-runner Merciful Hour a furlong-and-a-half from home.

The Sakhee's Secret gelding stayed on strongly inside the final furlong for a three-and-a-half length win.

Coquette Noire sent off the even-money favourite, tried to give chase to the winner over a furlong out but made no impression and lost second close home to newcomer General Brook

“It's his seventh start. He was a May foal and is a big horse – nearly 500kg. I think things are starting to fall into place,” said trainer Ken Condon.

“His last run here was smart and the winner is decent. I'm delighted he's come out and done that. He has a bit to go and there is more to come.

“He'll step into a premier handicap now on May 15th (at Naas) for three-year-olds. He probably wants a bit of nice ground and whether we get that in a few weeks time – we'll take a chance.”