Earls joined owner Martin Sheridan and trainer Garvan Donnelly out of a Dundalk claimer on Wednesday for 13,000 Euros. Connections got an immediate return when the Dream Ahead gelding bagged the Mehmas Handicap at Naas this afternoon.

The pound overweight that winning jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle put up, made no difference as Earls accounted for Mi Esperanza and former Eddie Lynam stable companion Tide Of Time by three parts of a length and a head.

Earls, a 13/2 chance, chased the leaders, and he was fifth two furlongs out.

Ridden in fourth on the inner a furlong out, he improved to dispute the lead inside the final furlong.

From there the victor stayed on well to lead close home.

“I can’t take any of the plaudits for that. He’s just been in the paddock since we got him home,” acknowledged Donnelly.

He elaborated: “I bought him for Martin Sheridan who has always had a few horses with us like Lily’s Prince, and we have a bit of the cost back now.

“When I saw he had an entry later in the week I said we’d claim and run him straight away. It doesn’t often work out but it did today.

“He likes soft ground and we’ll probably give him a bit of a break now and find out a bit more about him.”

D.W. O'Connor, rider of Mokhalad (GB) trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled during this race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Mokhalad (GB) trained by John C. McConnell was noted to have blood at both nostrils post race.

(AM & EM)