Twice a course and distance winner in the past, Gretzky landed a good punt in the concluding Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.

Backed from as big as 8/1 in a place earlier in the day into 9/4 favouritism, the King's Best six-year-old clearly operated well for the expert handling of Connor King (first time aboard the gelding).

Delivered from behind, Gretzky was brought through between horses at the furlong pole, quickening up well to get the better of Cullentry Royal and Shake The Bucket by half a length and the same.

Winning trainer Matthew Smith said: "I knew he was in good old form coming here.

"He had been out of form during the summer but he likes it up here and Connor gave him a good ride.

"He'll come back here again as he wants fast ground.

"There are not that many races over a mile and a half so we'll probably have to drop back in trip."

R.P. Cleary, rider of Queen Of Alba trained by Thomas Cleary, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost her action in the straight.

(AM & EM)