Those that supported Harry Trotter from 4/5 in places this morning into 4/9 must have thought the final furlong would never end but the six-times previously raced maiden got home to provide his jockey Fergal Lynch with a landmark success in the opening Dundalk Maiden.

Lynch has had well-documented troubles in the past cross-channel and then resurrected his career in the States before being prevented from plying his trade over there too. Now based in Britain he is allowed to ride in Ireland and the Derry native said: "I come over here to ride on Fridays and it is great to ride a winner – I love riding over here. There are some good jockeys to ride against.

"This horse pricked his ears and was looking around him a bit at the lights – he just does enough."

David Marnane trains Harry Trotter for the Final Furlong Syndicate and he said of the Kodiac gelding, who won by half a length from Atticus Finch having led from over two furlongs out: "He deserved that and I'm delighted for Fergal."

Marnane has enjoyed great success with the progeny of Tally-Ho Stud, Co. Westmeath-based stallion Kodiac in the past with the likes of Jamesie and Seanie in particular garnering plenty of prize-money. (AM & EM)