National Guard got off the mark at the tenth time of asking in the Marshes Shopping Centre Ladies Day Sunday 14th April Maiden at Dundalk.

Ballydoyle's War Front colt, reappearing quickly after a Naas third placing on Sunday, was backed for this assignment too, finding a starting price of 7/2 from an opening show of 9/2.

Donnacha O'Brien got National Guard home by two and a half lengths and three lengths from These Days and Tallien

“I don't think it was the trip that made the difference I think it was just getting the race run to suit him,” said Donnacha O'Brien.

“It worked today, I was tight between horses the whole way. Even the gap I had to go for was a little bit tight and it just suited him as it kept him interested.

“You can see when he gets to the front he runs around a bit. As I said I think trip is secondary to him he more needs a race that suits him.

“I don't think it was fitness that got him through today either, I think it was just things went well for him today. Things went very smooth today.”

The Stewards fined W.P.Browne, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Memsie, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Memsie in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90.

The Stewards informed D. K. Weld, trainer that Dawry would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

R.P. Whelan, rider of Balefire trained by M.Halford, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran flat during this race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Balefire, trained by M.Halford, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(GC & EM)