They crossed the line pretty wide apart but there was no disputing that Split The Atom was best, by a head, from well-backed favourite Dark Alliance in the Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Package Handicap at Dundalk.

Dark Alliance came in from around 5/1 in earlier trading to 7/4 for the six furlong event, but he just failed to catch the winner having dwelt and raced keenly.

There was just a head and a short head to Fast In The Wind and Kimbay in third and fourth.

Thistle Bloodstock own and bred Split The Atom, trained by Pat Shanahan and ridden by Donnacha O'Brien.

Shanahan said: "He loves it around here over either six furlongs or seven (third win and oft placed).

"He's a simple horse to ride and loves to be up with the pace. He's genuine and tough, and for a small horse he carries weight well."

(AM & EM)