Shane Kelly rode out his claim when partnering Puerto De Vega to justify 3/1 joint favouritism in the Hollywoodbets Supports Irish Racing Handicap at Dundalk this afternoon.

Kelly has been an integral part of the Johnny Murtagh yard in recent seasons and the Curragh trainer was full of praise afterwards.

“I’m delighted for Shane as he’s after riding out his claim with that win. He’s a huge part of the team and rides this horse in work all the time.

“He was singing this horse’s praises so I’m delighted for him”.

The Ballylinch Stud-owned gelding had shown promise in maidens last year and was getting off the mark on his second handicap start this season.

Kelly sent him to the front around the furlong pole and kept the son of Lope De Vega up to his work to hold off top-weight Ramon Di Loria by a neck.

The other joint favourite Bears Hug proved a bitter disappointment trailing in last.

Murtagh added, “This horse has just taken a while to come but is very nice. We thought he was good last year and he had a nice run the last day in Gowran where he just got a bit tired.

“We waited for this race and I think he could improve through the year.”