Lexington Dash stepped up on his recent Curragh debut for John McConnell to take the La Bucca Restaurants Handicap at Fairyhouse.

A three-time winner for Richard Hannon, the five-year-old came forward from his mid division run at headquarters to win snugly under Shane Foley. Verhoyen adopted his customary front running tactics and still held every chance turning for home. However, the pack began to close over two furlongs out, with none travelling better than the eventual winner.

“I'm delighted. The lads threw a few quid together to try and buy a nice horse and they've got one,” said McConnell.

“He was still a colt when we bought him so we gelded him and it certainly hasn't done him any harm.

“He ran a lovely race first time out at the Curragh and he's come forward from that.

“He's going to be rated 100 after that so we have plenty of options, and we could maybe look at the seven furlong handicap on Champions Weekend.

“He could even end up in Dubai, who knows, there are loads of options for him. It's great to get a result for the lads as they threw up a good few quid.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson