Dragon Of Malta got on top inside the final furlong to run out a cosy winner of the Ardilaun Hotel Handicap at Galway for trainer Pat O'Donnell.

The Dragon Pulse gelding had recorded his most recent win over course and distance in September 2021 and went to post 4/1 favourite to get back into the winners enclosure this afternoon.

Colin Keane produced his mount to claim front-runner Shawaamekh in the final 150 yards and he could afford to coast close home as he secured a two-and-a-quarter length win.

"Before Colin hit the ground at Killarney he said 'Galway, lads'. He had looked at his previous form and he folded a tiny bit in Killarney (finishing third) but seven furlongs here was spot on,” said O'Donnell.

"His form is very solid and there were a lot of ducks in a row today. It is hard to get him early in the year but he comes to form in the autumn and that's just him.

"Peter Keogh, from Knocklong, who heads up the syndicate, is with us three or four years and makes the entries, decides on who rides him etc and we try him have the horses fit and healthy. I like to think we do things to a very high standard and it is a team effort.

"I have no idea where we're going next!"

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)