The Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Apprentice Handicap at Dundalk this evening developed into a battle of the ladies with Maude Adams under Samantha Bell, narrowly defeating the Megan Carberry ridden Beat The Ballot

Bell, on Maude Adams, was in a pocket along the inside running rail for most of the straight and was forced to ride with exaggerated patience until an opening appeared a furlong out. Beat The Ballot was clear and looked sure to win inside the final furlong but Maude Adams flew home to take the lead in the last stride, for a short head win.

Winning trainer Kevin Prendergast was not present for the win.

Further reporting by Alan Magee