Herostatus maintained the fine record of Mark Johnston's horses around Dundalk when claiming the two-mile handicap.

Johnny Murtagh was completing a double aboard the 6/4 favourite as he ran out a convincing four-length winner. Solo Performer won the early battle for the lead between the pair but was headed over three furlongs out by the English raider.

The Dalakhani gelding kept on strongly down the straight to record a four-length victory over Hawk Flight

"He's a fine big horse - the size of him for a three-year-old! He could go on to better things," said Murtagh afterwards.

"His horses (Johnston's) are solid and get their heads down and want to win. They are easy to ride."

Murtagh had visited the winners' enclosure earlier when the David Wachman-trained Imperial Rome made most in division two of the juvenile maiden.