Review DUNDALK 15TH AUG

The starting procedures were the subject of much debate at Dundalk yesterday evening, with all the riders in the 15 runner Cortial Novice Hurdle, bar Garrett Cotter who partnered the front-running winner Twokay, being severely cautioned for failing to line-up.

Starter Joe Collins' patience was tested to the limit as he took a number of minutes instructing the riders to line-up for this opening race. When they eventually got underway, the Michael Halford-trained Twokay immediately build-up a sizeable lead. Cotter's mount kept on well in the straight to beat Indiana Journey by 15 lengths, and Halford said afterwards, 'That was the plan, as he loves to make the running. I was glad when Sweet Brief (lame) didn't run'.

The starting stalls were the problem in the Blackrock EBF Maiden, with Dancing losing a number of lengths after the stall gate swung back and hit the David Hanley-trained juvenile. However Kevin Manning's mount overcame the interference, heading Crooked Wood off the home turn to eventually score by two lengths.

'She ran very green first time at Cork, and Kevin said she was again a bit green when running up the centre of the straight. She stays, goes well with a cut in the ground and we will try to get her some black type', said Hanley.

Definite Best could bid for a quick follow up at Gowran Park next Thursday after landing the Ballagan Handicap under Seamus Heffernan, leading a furlong out to beat Moon Shot by a length. 'She was in good form earlier this season but went a bit flat, and has taken a while to come back to form', said trainer Tony Mullins.

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