Beat The Ballot the 9/2 favourite was withdrawn on veterinary advice at the start necessitating a 15 cent rule four. That'll have mattered little to connections of Aared though, the eventual winner of the Leopardstown Handicap.

Chris Hayes donned the Hamdan Al Maktoum silks on the Kevin Prendergast-trained top-weight. After giving the Shamardal a patient steer, the four-year-old made his ground towards the outer two furlongs out.

Aared got to the front inside the last and went on to see off Settle For Red by a length and three parts.

"He had an impossible draw and ten stone on his back. The boss left me to my own devices and I left the horse to his," said Hayes.

"I wanted to come with one swoop. They went a nice even pace and it was a true run race. The best horse won on the day.

"I wanted to go for the earlier race but the boss didn't want to take Jim's horse on again.

"He plays an important role in the yard. He's a smashing horse and a yard favourite. He canters around with Awtaad, they are the best of pals."

The Stewards informed Tracey Collins, trainer that Beat The Ballot, would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

R. Coakley, rider of Total Demolition trained by J.Larkin, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that he was unable to get a clear run in the straight.

(GC & EM)