Wonder Elzaam and Niall McCullagh (nearest) get the better of Mosala and Mark Enright© Photo Healy Racing
Wonder Elzaam got a deserved win to his name, as he just got the better of Mosala in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk Maiden.
Trained by Niall Egan, the son of Elzaam was an excellent fourth in the Tetrarch Stakes at Cork in September and was since placed in competitive handicaps at the Curragh.
Beaten a neck into second by Feminism here a week ago, the bay colt was again sent off the market leader this evening and was returned at 2/1.
Settled behind the leaders by Niall McCullagh, he came through to challenge the front running Mosala from early in the straight and after a good battle inside the final furlong, just a head separated the pair at the line.
The runner-up was returned at 11/4 under Mark Enright for Henry de Bromhead, while the Denis Hogan trained Knight Of Malta (40/1) was another length and three parts back in third.
Egan said in the aftermath: "It's nice to get his head in front and I think Niall found the key to him today.
"He has a lot of ability but he's probably cleverer than his trainer! He's my favourite horse and I've been waiting on him to win for a while. The jockey did the business.
"I'll give him a break now and it will be back to the grass next summer."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
