Takapour leaves it late in last

Takapour swooped on the outer to claim the concluding conditions race at Dundalk this evening. Amazing Beauty cut out the running in the ten furlong contest and was strongly pressed inside the final furlong by 13/8 favourite and stable-mate Regent Street

The market leader found it hard work to get the better of the front-runner and just when he did close home he was pipped by Takapour.

The Michael Halford-trained Aga Khan colt had worked his way into contention inside the final furlong and timed his run perfectly to get up where it mattered.

The winner had opened his account here back in July but the 13/2 shot came into this with the second lowest rating of 77.

"He loves the surface here. He's improving and getting stronger. I've been patient with him since he won his maiden here.

"I waited for this race. He's got the size and scope to improve again."

"He's very brave and genuine," added Murtagh. Plum Sugar was the best backed horse, 8/1 in the morning into 10/3 on course, but could only finish fifth.

Gary Carson