He's won twice previously over the course and distance by a head but Bangalore Diamond brought up the hat-trick tonight by just a short-head in the Irish Stablestaff Association Awards 23rd February Handicap at Dundalk.

A son of the now French-based stallion, Elusive City, the victorious top-weight had Ben Curtis (won on the five-year-old once previously) in the saddle.

The pair formed a determined partnership (Curtis got a 1-day whip ban for excessive frequency) as they ran down the front-runner, Sophies Echo in the last stride.

Tom McCourt trains Bangalore Diamond for Sarah Foran and Barry Doyle and the Stamullen handler explained: "I've seen him travel better but he stuck at it well from a furlong and a half out.

"He got very upset here last time and I'll maybe come back with him in two weeks here." (MG & EM)