The homebred Missile Command (13/2 into 9/2) will no doubt have put a smile on the faces of everyone at Ballyhane Stud as he got off the mark on outing number eighteen in the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Handicap at Dundalk.

Jane Foley and Clipper Logistics Ltd were on the mark here a week ago with Fleet Captain and the same night Missile Command finished fourth.

On this occasion the son of Majestic Missile travelled well in behind horses and once he got the space in which to manoeuvre he led in the final hundred yards before obliging by three parts of a length from Catwilldo

Winning rider Gary Carroll reported: "He's been running consistently but I got to the front a bit too soon the last day and I said I'd hold on to him a bit longer today – it worked out."

The Stewards interviewed Adrian Brendan Joyce, trainer of Times In Anatefka regarding the late arrival of the horse into the Parade Ring and the horse being mounted in the chute adjacent to the track without permission of the Stewards. Evidence was heard from the trainer who stated that he was delayed bringing the horse into the parade ring due to difficulty attaching the tongue strap, he also apologised for mounting his horse in the chute adjacent to the track without permission. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards found Adrian Brendan Joyce in breach of Rule 32 (x) and severely cautioned him regarding his responsibilities in this regard.

The Stewards informed Eamonn O'Connell, trainer that Beuno Cailin would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

(AM & EM)