'What a horse' - Geological records twelfth career success

Geological recorded his twelfth career success as he kept on best to land the Dundalk Stadium - Light Up Your Night Handicap.

The admirable Damian English trained seven-year-old provided Vanessa Maye with her first career win here a fortnight ago and the young apprentice was again in the saddle this evening.

Available at 14/1 this morning and backed from 10s to 8s on-course, the son of Rock Gibraltar raced prominently alongside top-weight Gordon Lord Byron

Pushed along into a narrow lead from early in the straight, the bay victor maintain that advantage all the way to the line, going on to prevail by three parts of a length.

Gordon Lord Byron (12/1) was a gallant second under Colin Keane for Tom Hogan, while Urban Beat (9/2 into 3/1 favouritism) was a further half a length back in third, with Shane Kelly aboard this one for Johnny Murtagh.

"What a horse, that's another 25 grand race!" said English.

"When he's rated below 80 he's lethal and with Vanessa's 10lb claim that brought him below 80 again.

"What a servant, that's his 12th win. What more can I say and he's going to keep going here all winter.

"Vanessa said he absolutely tanked to the start and in better form than he was the last night.

"We've always tried to qualify him for Lingfield but it's just never happened. Maybe this year we'll have a go at it again and we'll see what happens.

"The horse is in great form and we'll keep tipping away.

"You could see there tonight with Colin (on Gordon Lord Byron) taking him on and Vanessa using her head. She's a very very good rider and she's one of the best apprentices I've seen.

"She keeps horses balanced, she doesn't complicate it and she has a good head on her shoulders."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson