Reddot Express arrived late to spring a 25/1 surprise in the opening Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant Claiming Race at Dundalk.

Conor Hoban was riding this 51-rated performer for Michael Halford and he got the better of Sheisdiesel (rated 67) and Seanie (rated 69) by a neck and three parts of a length.

There was just a nose back then to Midnitemudcrabs in fourth.

"I can't say that was expected," said Halford on the winning six-year-old, back with him after a spell with Fergal Birrane.

"I was at Goffs sales and he was walking around the ring and I looked in and said 'god I know that horse'.

"He was on a loose page and I didn't have it with the catalogue. I heard the auctioneer say Reddot Express and he was only making two grand so I said sure we'll have him.

"I stuck up my catalogue and he eventually took three grand off me and knocked him down.

"I actually bought him as we have a couple of apprentices there and I thought he'd get them going.

"We were scratching our head a bit and we brought him along as he was in great shape.

"It's a pleasant surprise. He won six grand there and he cost three so that's not bad.

"How good a race it was time will only tell but he was the best of them on the night which is the important thing.

"Some lad might rob him on me for five grand but anytime I can turn three grand into eleven I'm happy.

"If he's claimed he's claimed. He's a great old horse and has always been a good servant."

Reddot Express was later claimed by Ger O'Leary.

C. O'Donoghue, rider of Wadood trained by David Marnane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung severely to the left throughout this race.

(GC & EM)