Eight and seven-year-olds led them home in the finale at Dundalk, as the older horses held sway in split two of the Join Us On Instagram @dundalk_stadium Handicap. The vastly experienced Universal Focus took the lion’s share of the prize-money for owner John Bowden and trainer Ross O’Sullivan.

Billy Lee rode the now dual twelve furlong all-weather victor, and he’s been a good servant winning six times all told. Stay With Me and Light Fury were the ones to give Universal Focus most to do. Seven-year-old mare Stay With Me was half a length off in second, with three-year-old filly Light Fury a head back in third.

“He’s been good to me this horse and that’s my third win on him,” said Lee.

“I picked him over Trump Card at Down Royal the last day but he’s returned the favour tonight.

“He travelled great and down the back he was in a lovely rhythm. At the five I grabbed hold of him and he came on the bridle for me.

“I had to bide my time getting there as you can’t get there too soon on him. I got a good lead nearly all the way and he’s found just enough.

“He’s a bit of a rogue when he gets there but I love riding him. Win, lose or draw he’s a character to ride and it’s great to win again.”

O’Sullivan was unlucky in Listowel earlier with Theatre World making a bad mistake and unseating rider at the last when still holding the call.

S.T. McCullagh, rider of Take A Turn trained by Leanne Breen, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled during this race.

(AM & EM)