Bluebeard's Castle leads home his rivals under Shane Crosse© Photo Healy Racing
Bluebeard's Castle made all under Shane Crosse to take the Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.
Having made the breakthrough on his eighth start last month, the Joseph O'Brien trained three-year-old finished third on his most recent outing.
Sent off an 11/2 chance this evening, the son of War Front was sent straight to the front by Crosse and despite drifting left under pressure inside the final furlong, he just held on to prevail by a head.
Tarlette (15/2), who raced in rear, was a fast-finishing second under Niall McCullagh for Shane Crawley, while Sky Seven (15/2) was another head back in third. Blackpoint was sent off the 10/3 favourite and he disappointingly finished last of the nine runners.
"He has a lovely attitude and really likes to make the running. That trip suits him down to the ground," Cross revealed.
"He just lugged left a bit inside the furlong pole looking for a bit of company. It was a lovely performance and hopefully he's on the improve.
"Obviously he gets a mile and a half but he's not short of boot being by War Front."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
