Daamberdiplomat leads home Harry's Bar© Photo Healy Racing
The market principals fought out the finish to the feature Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap, with Daamberdiplomat ultimately getting the better of Harry's Bar
Successful over the course and distance in December of last year, the Johnny Murtagh-trained four-year-old wasn't beaten far on his penultimate start, finishing eighth of 17 in the Sovereign Path on Champions Weekend.
The Cotai Glory chestnut was sent off the 16/5 favourite this evening and given a patient ride by Ben Coen, he made headway early in the straight.
Pushed along to challenge from the furlong pole, he edged to the front inside the final 150 yards, keeping on well from there to score by a length and a half.
Bidding for an eighth win at Dundalk, Harry's Bar (4/1) was a gallant second under Ronan Whelan for Stephen Thorne, while Dontspoilasale (10/1) was another length and a half away in third.
“It was the perfect race and the perfect distance, I suppose, so everything was teed up for today," Murtagh commented.
"He came out of the last race well and he's been knocking on the door in plenty of good races. When it falls right for him he's able to pick them up well.
"I suppose we'll try and stick at that trip. We know now that seven is just a little bit too far, six looks ideal.
"There should be plenty here now for him. Ben is going away so the boys will be back on him for the winter."
The winner is owned by the Whyte Hickey Rafter Kilkenny Syndicate, of which eight-time All-Ireland winning Dublin footballer Ciaran Kilkenny is a member.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Tango Flare trained by Patrick T. Foley, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis.
At the request of the Raceday Stewards, N.M. Crosse, rider of Tango Flare, trained by Patrick T. Foley, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was slowly away and was squeezed out shortly after.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
