American In Paris sprang a 40/1 surprise in the concluding 12th July Ladies Day At Dundalk Stadium Handicap, as a gamble on Inthepoorhouse went astray.

Previously trained in the UK by Hugo Palmer, the Starspangledbanner three-year-old was bought by Denis Hogan for just 3,500 pounds at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale last October.

Having failed to make an impact on her first four starts for Hogan, she was sent off the outsider of the 12-strong field for this six-furlong heat.

Settled behind the leaders on the inner, the Sean Bowen ridden victor took closer order early in the straight and was ridden to challenge with a furlong-and-a-half to go.

Soon embroiled in a tussle with Not Too Real Bad she gained the upper hand inside the final 100 yards, going on to prevail by half-a-length.

Returned at 4/1, Not Too Real Bad had to settle for second under Ben Coen for Tom Mullins, while handicap debutant Asgard's Captain (18/1) ran on well and was another length-and-a-quarter away in third.

Trained by Kieran Cotter, Inthepoorhouse was 10/1 in early shows but was heavily backed and from 9/2 on-course, he was returned the clear 15/8 favourite.

Sent straight to the front by Rory Cleary, the son of Profitable weakened when headed over a furlong out and beat only one rival home.

"She had a few alright runs here, but I think the blinkers helped her a lot," Bowen said.

"Her last run was in Navan about two weeks ago on heavy ground, but just travelled everywhere over five. I think the step up in trip suited her.

"She travelled to a furlong and a half down and quickened off that.

"She stayed galloping to be fair to her.

"Denis' horses are in good form, so hopefully they will stay going."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Not Too Real Bad, ridden by B.M. Coen, placed second, Rumbled Again ridden by J.M. Sheridan, placed fourth, American In Paris, ridden by S.D. Bowen, placed first, and Inthepoorhouse, ridden by R.P. Cleary, unplaced, where it appeared that Rumbled Again and Inthepoorhouse both ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. J. M. Sheridan stated that he could not fill the gap and took a precautionary check. R. P. Cleary stated that his mount got a bit intimated and rolled right. S. D. Bowen stated that his mount leaned right for company. B. M. Coen stated that he kept straight and caused no interference. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found S. D. Bowen, was in breach of Rule 214, in that they had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for six racedays.

J.M. Sheridan, rider of Rumbled Again, trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount had to check in the straight and was caught on heels in the closing stages.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham