Port Lions leads home his rivals under Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
Port Lions got a deserved win to his name, as he took the St Patrick's Weekend Racing At Dundalk Maiden.
The Mick Halford trained bay was first past the post on his last start over the course and distance, but was subsequently demoted to second after hampering the runner-up.
Fitted with a visor for the first time today, the son of Kodiac was sent off the 6/4 favourite with Pat Smullen again in the saddle.
Settled in mid-division, he was fifth entering the straight. He made steady progress from there and was pushed along to lead inside the final furlong, keeping on well under pressure to score by two and a half lengths. Irish Minister (3/1) finished second under Donnacha O'Brien for his brother Joseph, while Tullyallen (8/1) was another length and three parts back in third with Niall McCullagh aboard for John Oxx. Griffyndor who was backed from 7/2 to 5/2 on-course, was another three and three parts of a length back in fourth.
Smullen said afterwards: "The race worked out perfectly for him today. The last day there was no pace in the race and he was in front. He was ridden prominently a few times and it wasn't working.
"I was happy to take a lead and get a bit of cover. It was one of those rare occasions where everything worked perfectly. He's worn blinkers and cheek-pieces before but he definitely needs the headgear."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
