David Marnane has enjoyed plenty of success with County Westmeath-based Tally-Ho Stud resident, Kodiac's stock, and one of his sons, Sword Of Light convincingly landed a gamble in the opening Dundalk Stadium – Light Up Your Night Maiden.

Wearing blinkers for the first-time and also performing for the initial occasion in a race, since being gelded, Sword Of Light was backed in from 6/1 earlier in the day into 5/2.

The three-year-old was always on the pace and he was asked by his jockey, Fergal Lynch, to go away inside the last, which he duly did to account for newcomer Muizenberg Nights by four lengths.

Marnane revealed in the aftermath: "He's improving and the blinkers made him sharp tonight. We've had a messy summer but he's strengthened up and I was impressed with him – I think there's more to come.

"He shows plenty of gears at home and that's the first time he's finished off a race."

It was hardly a surprise to see Fergal Lynch show his delight crossing the line as the owner, Charles Lynch is his father.

The Lynch's had further cause for cheer as Fergal explained: "It's my mum, Margaret's 70th birthday today and my brother is over from America." (MG & EM)