Danz Gift and Little Sweetheart were the two for money in the ring at Dundalk, before race two, the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Handicap, and they filled the front two positions in the 47 to 65 sprint.

Little Sweetheart gave it a good go from the front under Danny Grant, but there was to be no denying the sweet-travelling Danz Gift (7/1 into 9/2) under Ronan Whelan.

Danz Gift led a hundred yards out on the way to a length and a half win.

Last year's winner and 2013 runner-up Times In Anatefka had to settle for fifth on this occasion.

"They went hard and he travelled really well into the race," said Whelan.

"Sheila (Lavery, successful trainer) told me that he would travel but then I would only have one go with him. The front horse got away a bit but Sheila had filled me with plenty of confidence. He quickened well and put the race to bed.

"Only for what Sheila had said I probably would have went for him earlier and he may have cut out. It's very easy when he travels like that to sit on him. He deserves that."

Danz Gift was shedding his maiden tag on attempt number sixteen, and Ronan Whelan was riding for the first time.

(GC & EM)