The tricky looking six-runner Fundraise At Dundalk Stadium Handicap saw a thrilling finish involving three horses with The Ring Is King getting the verdict.

A hood and tongue-strap combination was tried on the five-year-old gelding and he had the assistance of the champion jockey Joseph O’Brien who brought up a double on the evening.

Pat Smullen took the small field along on Balmont Flyer in the middle of the track. He was busy on board Joanna Morgan’s horse as they straightened for home. Shabra Emperor and Niall McCullagh on the outside finally wore down Balmont Flyer as the line loomed, however, O’Brien got a renewed effort from The Ring Is King on the inside and the 9/4 favourite got up to score.

Jockey McCullagh had to settle for the runner-up berth for the second race in-a-row, again by a head margin.

Successful trainer Paul Flynn said: “He's tough and runs himself into the ground. He was too free with Joseph and will be better going right-handed back on turf.

“I'm delighted as the wife owns him. He'll more than likely get his wind done now and then we'll bring him back. He gets away with it on firm ground but he really wants a dig.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson