A regular participant at Dundalk, Masalai (4/1) registered his fourth victory on the polytrack in the Find Us On Facebook @dundalkstadium Handicap (Div I).

Conor Hoban ’s mount was always close to the pace and struck the front inside the furlong marker.

The 7-year-old gelding lasted home by a neck and the same from Ranger Bob (8/1) and second reserve Hands Down (80/1).

The winner, yet to score on the turf, has also managed nine placings to go with his four wins from a total of 24 starts at his favourite track.

Winning trainer Eddie Lynam said: “He ground it out and we had to ride him forward today from where he was drawn.

“He’s won a few times up here. It will keep the owner (wife Aileen) happy and it’s good to get the first winner of the year.

“I’m living in the same house as a trainer (daughter Sarah) who has already had five winners this year, so I had to get one to stay in the ballpark!”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee