Stellar Spirit (4/6f) registered a rare 'nose, nose' win in a three-way photo finish for Dundalk's Crowne Plaza Hotel Leading Jockey Maiden today, leading at the line to score for trainer Jarlath Fahey and jockey Gavin Ryan.

Claimed for €20,000 at Bellewstown in September, the son of Charm Spirit met traffic problems in the home straight today and while unable to shake off Cheval Blanc and Eskimo Lil in the final furlong, led at the line to beat those rivals by minimum margins.

Afterwards Royal Ascot winning trainer Fahey reported “he was entitled to win that off ratings and has been running very consistent. It’s great to get a win out of him after claiming him.

“Gavin thinks he was ok at six if they went a bit quicker. They went a bit steady for him and he’s happy enough anywhere between six and a mile which gives him a lot of options.

“There is a 0-75 seven furlongs handicap coming up in a few weeks’ time and if he’s fine and holding his form we might have a go at it.”

Quotes from Alan Magee