Santono Chevalier made the breakthrough in no uncertain fashion when running out an easy winner of the mile-and-a-half handicap at Dundalk.

The Richard O'Brien-trained gelding had been runner-up over the extended ten furlongs at the track twice this year and blossomed over the longer trip.

Jack Kearney tracked front-runner Dr Patrick on the 6/4 favourite and he travelled strongly to challenge early in the straight.

The Invincible Spirit gelding was sent on over a furlong from home and soon quickened away to record a six length success over Magi Gal who stayed on well to take second.

Kearney said: "He did (travel well), lovely fractions out in front. He was in his comfort zone the whole way taking me along.

"It was just a matter of not getting there too soon. I was (tanking into the straight) and I didn't get a lead for too long. I let Chris (Hayes, on Dr Patrick) go on and he picked up very well. He travelled out strong to the line.

"He loves this surface up here and had two solid runs the last twice, so I was confident enough coming in here today."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)