The opening couple of events at Ballinrobe have gone to the market leader and it was a case of more of the same in the first at Dundalk. The Irishinjuredjockeys.com Claiming Race went the way of Shukhov (9/10) for Johnny Levins and Ronan Whelan.

Never far away Shukhov led under two furlongs out, and he asserted from over a furlong out to defeat Elusive In Paris by a length and a quarter.

Levins said: "The conditions suited him. He was officially well in and he did it well. He kept pulling it out, and stays well.

"He's been a great servant, and the best of luck to whoever gets him. He's done well for me. Ronan was brilliant on him, and gave him a real no nonsence ride."

The first and second were both claimed for €8,000 by Curragh-based bloodstock agent James Mascall. There were five claims in for the winner.

(AM & EM)