We had three withdrawals at the start in the Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Handicap at Dundalk, and that necessitated an eight minute delay.

Tom and Rory Cleary won't care about that as their General Bunching (14/1) emerged victorious.

After course specialist General Bunching had seen off Master Melody by half a length, Cleary senior stated: "He's a likeable sort. There are days he runs his races and there are days he doesn't but he's a pleasure to train.

"Anybody can ride him. He always comes out and wins his races. He had a good run last time.

"The syndicate (the Moyclear grouping) have had a good bit of success with me. We'll definitely have to head to Galway as the syndicate are from there.

"I'm sure the handicapper will ensure he gets in."

The Stewards informed Gerard Keane, trainer that The Black Devil would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

The Stewards informed William Durkan, trainer that Mind The Pennies would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

The Stewards informed M.Halford, trainer that Hazledoc would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

The Stewards interviewed R.P. Cleary, rider of General Bunching (USA), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that R.P. Cleary was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive frequency.

Consequently he was suspended for 3 racedays having taken his previous record into consideration.

(MG & EM)