The Johnny Murtagh trained Hardstone landed the Champions Restaurant Dining At Dundalk Stadium Handicap at Dundalk this evening, following up November's course and distance win, again ridden by Niall McCullagh.

The son of Birdstone stayed on gamely in the closing stages to beat Don Camillo and afterwards McCullagh stated “I'm delighted with him; he's a progressive horse and stays well.

“He wintered well and will improve for the run. His long-term target is the Northumberland Plate and that's a good start to the season. He's a battler.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson