Denis Hogan was in familiar territory with a second successive monthly '1-2' in a Dundalk claimer today, as heavily-supported Ramsom (8/11f) defeated stablemate May Night (22/1) in the 'Floodlit Fridays' race.

Backed from 2/1 this morning, Ramsom raced mid-field under Daniel King and having given chase to stablemate May Night over a furlong out, led in the closing stages and scored by a half-length.

Hogan's career is back on track following the IHRB's November's 'nolle prosequi' in a controversial 2020 claiming race involving two of the trainer's horses, and today followed up a January '1-2' in another course claimer, won by Sky Legend.

Hogan said “Ransom was entitled to do that in that company, as it was a big drop down from what he has been in. He has dropped down the handicap all year, he has just been running well without winning. To get him settled is the biggest thing.”

“There's no doubt he will be claimed as he's a solid 80-rated horse.

“He has won plenty for us but we were struggling with where to go with him in handicaps. Thats what these races are for.”

Regarding runner-up May Night he said "he ran well, he had been running okay but again he has fallen down the handicap. He stuck it out well, but it a great race for a horse like him who is caught in the handicap.

"If we have him back, brilliant, and if we lose him, best of luck to the next man.”

The trainer, who has renewed his jockeys' license and recently ridden over hurdles, added “my horses are running well and Dundalk has been really good to us lately. I'm also looking forward to when Tipperary (all-weather) gets up and running."

Winner Ransom was indeed subsequently claimed for €15,000 by P. Sweeney to be trained by H D McGuigan, although runner-up May Night was bought-back by his owners the Premier Racing Club.

Third-placed Allo Arry (for €6,000) and fourth-placed Fleetfootsoldier (€10,000) were both claimed by trainer John McConnell.

Quotes from Michael Graham