Spark lands gamble in last

Night Spark landed a touch in the finale at Dundalk tonight when scoring under Pat Smullen.

Backed from 16/1 this morning the John O'Shea-trained gelding was sent off a 5/1 shot.

He travelled well to lead a furlong-and-a-half out and kept on well in the closing stages when pressed by Miracle Steps to record a neck victory.

It was a welcome winner for Smullen, who cut Johnny Murtagh's lead in the jockeys title to six.

"I'm glad to get a winner as I've been hitting the board a bit," said Smullen afterwards.

"I was unlucky in the first when the filly reared leaving the stalls. It's been a frustrating period.

"The horse did it well and John had him well prepared. They obviously knew what they were doing. It's just a relief to get a winner."