James McAuley’s record in claimers is second to none in recent seasons and the North County Dublin based trainer was again on the mark as Mischief Star took the Tote Always SP Or Better Claiming Race in gutsy fashion at Ballinrobe.

The five-year-old has paid his way since joining the Naul yard this year winning claimers at Gowran Park and Tipperary and was fitted here with first time cheek pieces.

Shane Foley ’s mount made most of the running but was strongly pressed by Ideal Pal inside the final furlong.

However the 7/2 kept on gamely to hold on by a head, with Alhaajeb two-and-a-quarter-lengths back in third.

McAuley said, “I’d say his stamina was just on the edge, he probably wouldn’t stay that trip in a handicap.

“He wasn’t particularly looking to be in front but Shane found himself there and it worked out. He’s fully genuine and hardy.

“It’s grand to get it. We’ve had seven seconds in the last two weeks so it was starting to get a fraction frustrating, but he’s a grand horse for that grade and that’s three claimers he’s won for us now.

“Dundalk is my gig for the winter but he blatantly didn’t handle the surface when we tried him there.”

McAuley added to his string by claiming Alhaajeb for €11,000 while Shane Crawley took home fourth-placed Brehon Star for €10,000.

Quotes by Mark Nunan