Well-supported Dartan scores for Smith & McDonogh

The featured Tote-sponsored 1m5f handicap produced an exciting finish as Dartan and No Say Ever had a good tussle before the former gained the day by a head under Declan McDonogh.

The pair had sat in behind Team Of Firsts before moving past that rival on either side approaching the furlong pole and the well-supported winner (10/3 fav having been 15/2 this morning) was always doing enough to repel the sustained challenge of the second. Sheishybrid was a further length and a half back in third.

Successful in Germany at three, Dartan was coming here after scoring over two miles at Dundalk earlier this month.

Winning trainer Matt Smith said: "Declan said that is as short as you would want to be going with him - he was only getting going in the last 100 yards. Declan liked him.

"He has a great attitude, he just switches off and relaxes. He can be a bit slowly away so probably two miles would suit him and he can just take his time. I'm delighted with that.

"Declan said he thinks he would be good enough for some of those better staying handicaps.

"He's a nice horse to have and I'm delighted for the lads as well."

Quotes from Michael Graham