Sands gains 1st Flat win since 2013

Pat Smullen revealed in the aftermath of Ancient Sands win in Dundalk's third: "I was talking to John (Kiely, trainer) earlier and he said the horse was in very good form." So it proved as the Footstepsinthesand gelding just prevailed in the Download The Ladbrokes App Handicap.

"He handles that surface extremely well, although he doesn't kill himself when he gets to the front," added Smullen on the Mee-family owned eight-year-old.

Top-weight Ancient Sands was coming here on the back of a mid-field finish in the big Coral.ie Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown last month.

On this occasion he led under a furlong out and stayed on well close home to hold Whatever It Takes by a neck.

K.J. Leonard, rider of Enzani trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise in running.

R.D. Dolan, rider of Tiger Moon trained by Edmond Daniel Linehan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung left.

(AM & EM)