Shane Crosse switched Royal Scholar out to rattle home in the first division of the mile handicap in Dundalk.

This was Crosse's second winner on the evening as he took the preceding Listed contest on Snaffles

The well backed 10/3 favourite had to come out around Duquesa Beach with a furlong to go. Once in the clear he was ridden by Crosse to go after the leader and Burning Lake

Royal Scholar picked up the chase and ran on strongly to get up close home. He beat Burning Lake (7/2) by half a length. Duquesa Beach was a short-head away in third at 11/2.

Trainer Sarah Lynam said: “He's a big, raw horse and he's still learning. I thought we'd have fun with him last year but things didn't work out and hopefully we'll have a bit of fun during the winter.

“My uncle John owns him and he's been patient since he bought him, he had a bit of bad luck but hopefully now he'll learn and pay his way up here.”

The winner had been beaten a short-head at the venue last October and Lynam added: “I was having a string of seconds at that time. I advised John to buy him then if he wanted a fun horse but it didn't work out at the time.

“I thought John was an unlucky owner but I've had two winners for him this year now, so he's lucky now!”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson