Not for the first time in his career, Tudor City was a well-punted winner as he landed the Ardilea Handicap under Billy Lee.

Available at 16/1 overnight, the money came early in the morning for him and he was sent off 4/1 favourite.

The 2019 Galway Hurdle victor was always travelling well in behind the leaders and he came through to lead in the final furlong before beating Dublin Journal (6/1) by half a length. Pachmena (9/1) finished well for third and was only another short head in arrears with Rebel Tale (14/1) in fourth.

It was a sixth career success for the Yeats gelding and a first since his career highlight at Ballybrit two years ago.

Winning trainer Tony Martin said: "It's great and he deserved it. He's nine now and has been there every year running well."

“It's just a pity with covid it was a bit of a mess last year, but he ran well in the Galway Hurdle last year.

“He has plenty of ability, he was very unlucky one day in that €150,000 race (Northfields Handicap) at the Curragh.

“He is what he is now but he owes us nothing.”

Quotes from Gary Carson