Sister Slew equipped with blinkers for the first time, having worn cheek-pieces and a hood in recent starts, landed career win number three in Crowne Plaza Hotel Race & Stay Handicap at Dundalk.

Having scored in the past for Joe Murphy and Gordon Elliott, on this occasion Robbie Downey was in the plate for Shane Nolan and the successful 6/1 shot got the better of morning market-mover, Basilicia, by half a length.

Nolan trains nears Clane in Donadea and this was his first winner at Dundalk. He commented: "We thought the blinkers would work on her. The last couple of runs she hasn't travelled but has finished off her races. She doesn't like the kickback.

"Robbie gave her a great ride. He knows her well as she can be difficult." Merry Mast s refusal to load saw the 6/1 shot withdrawn which necessitated a 15 cent Rule 4.

The Stewards informed Andrew Slattery, trainer that Merry Mast (USA), would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

G.F. Carroll, rider of Thirteen Diamonds trained by G.M.Lyons, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was unable to quicken into a gap along the rails and checked when some of the runners moved inwards.

(GC & EM)