Fine Cut (Fran Berry) fends off Fergal Lynch on Aru Cha Cha with Local Flier chasing in behind© Photo Healy Racing
Following wins on the level lately for Thomas Edison, Iveagh Gardens, Waaheb and Christopher Wren (cross-channel), J P McManus struck again on the flat when Fine Cut made it back to back wins on the polytrack in the Hen & Stag Packages At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.
The 100/30 favourite defied top-weight by getting to the front as quickly as he could.
In the closing stages he then found enough to fend off the persistent threat of Aru Cha Cha (running for the first time since being gelded) by half a length. They left Caso Do Lago four and a half lengths back in third.
Winning rider Fran Berry stated on the Tommy Stack-trained victor: "He's a different horse when he can get out in front.
"He disappointed last year but he's now getting back to what we hoped he would be.
"He had his ears pricked there and he stayed going.
"When he felt the second horse coming to him he found a bit more and he tried hard.
"Last year we felt that he wanted quick ground and this surface suits him."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Little Fastnet trained by David Wachman, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(GC & EM)
