Jalo came from near last to first in the straight, getting up in the shadows of the post to land the opening Friday Night Lights At Dundalk Claiming Maiden at the County Louth track.

Returning to a surface where he had shown his best form, the Noel Meade trained gelding looked to have plenty to do at the furlong pole as he was a couple of lengths off the pace as four horses vied for the lead. Emorcee and Un Bacio Ancora settled down to do battle inside the last 100 yards but Keane produced Jalo with a perfectly timed challenge to get up close home.

Prior to today, the son of Adaay had been placed on both previous visits to Dundalk, whereas he had struggled on turf.

Colin Keane said: "He's a horse that is definitely more a seven furlong or a mile horse.

"He handles that all-weather well, he had nice runs as a two-year-old back here. Quick surface and a level track suits him.

"I'd say he is a horse - if he's not claimed or even if he is - would be a fun horse here for the winter going seven or a mile or maybe even a bit further.

"He's a good sound horse, handles the surface well, and he would be a good fun horse for a bunch of lads."

David Hoey subsequently claimed Jalo to be trained by George Kingston.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.