Tried in cheek-pieces without success in the past, Shannon Soul in his first time with blinkers deployed, made it three wins in the first three races at Dundalk for Michael Halford.

Conor Hoban was doubling up after riding the first Halford victor, Chestnut Fire Pat Smullen meanwhile, was aboard winner number two for Copper Beech Stables, Zinat in the Aga Khan silks.

Here the successful Shamardal gelding overcame the fact that he was slowly into stride. He came through from the rear into third a furlong out, and he led in the last hundred yards for a two and a half length win over the pace-setting Geological

Halford said: "He's been threatening it for a while. He was almost on the ground and got wiped out of the race early on the last day. He's just been giving it away a bit out of the gates for a while. The blinkers sharpened him up, and the small field is a big help when you're slow away like that.

"I'm delighted for Michael Enright (owner). He's been very patient with him and Duchessofflorence and his luck is turning now. He's been held up with a few issues but when they get their head in front it gives them a bit of encouragement. He wasn't winning out of turn.

"He likes that surface and we'll keep tipping away on it."

(AM & EM)