More than one respected judge put up Reckless Lad for the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Handicap at Dundalk and the 4/1 joint favourite (from 11/2 on track) proved up to the task under Andrew Thornton.

Pat Martin 's charge got a nice run down the inner in the final quarter mile and from the furlong pole the twice previous course winner was always going to score, crossing the line a length and a quarter to the good from Connacht Council (made a nice return to action with a first time tongue-strap on).

Martin stated: "I'm delighted for Andrew. He's ridden a lot for us and has had a tough time with injuries lately.

"He's a very under-rated jockey with a good head on him. He's very capable at both jobs and has done a lot of work for us.

"The horse has done very well physically and grown up since last year. He probably won't come back here.

"He does like it here but I'd like to see him on the grass with an ease in the ground. He worked here last Sunday on the outside track." (GC & EM)