The 303rd and final race of 2020 at Dundalk, the Dundalk Stadium Racing Returns Friday 8th January 2021, went the way of the Nigel Slevin trained Gormanston

Having filled the runner-up spot on his last three starts, the son of Haatef certainly wasn't winning out of turn and he was returned the 7/2 favourite (from 7s this morning) in the colours of the Harbour Lads Syndicate.

Prominent in the early stages under Robbie Colgan, the bay gelding was eventually settled in mid-division, taking closer order on the approach to the straight.

Ridden to challenge Starlight Red inside the final furlong, the pair had a good battle in the closing stages with just a short head separating them at the line.

The runner-up was returned at 5/1 under Colin Keane for George Kingston, while the fast-finishing Chateau Musar (4/1) was just a neck back in third.

Slevin, who trains near Enfield in Co Meath, said: “It’s good for the owners as they are a nice bunch of fellas. They have been patient with him so it’s nice to get that.

“He’s been consistent and knocking on the door but not getting there. It’s nice to end the year on a high.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee