Top-weight Longfield Lad did it from the front in Division 1 of the six furlong handicap at Dundalk, and had enough in the tank to repel Missile Command by a head.

Ronan Whelan took 3lbs off the three-year-old gelding’s back, but he still had 9-11 to shoulder. Whelan got him out swiftly from stall 11 to dictate matters from the front.

Coming to the final furlong the leader in the blinkers had Missile Command breathing down his neck. Whelan, hugging the inner rail, kept his mount working and they rewarded favourite backers at 9/2.

“He gave him a great ride. He’s got plenty of boot. His only hope was to get out and across. You’ve no chance here unless you get across. He wants fast ground and he’ll come back here again,” trainer John Joe Walsh said.

Missile Command was the 5/1 runner-up (with Gary Carroll 1lb overweight), while filly Gallena took third at 7/1. She was 12/1 this morning and was three lengths adrift of the battle for first place. Captains Dilemma at 5/1 missed the break and was never in contention in finishing 10th.

The Curb Your Enthusiasm Syndicate own the winner.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson