Favourite Catchy Lass (9/4) touched off Six Silver Lane in the opening Dundalk Business Club 2018 Claiming Race on the polytrack this evening.

Both the front two were game, with Six Silver Lane battling back having taken the lead early in the straight.

However at the line the Anthony Mulholland-trained and Conor McGovern-ridden Catchy Lass edged the verdict by a short head.

The slow starting Zaofu ended up three and a quarter lengths back in third.

"She just held on and it was good battle to the line. She's a game wee filly and she would battle all the way," said Mulholland.

"I was very happy. She was in good form the past few weeks.

"We'll put her in foal this year, that's if we don't lose her. She's getting a bit older now, she's nine years old. This will be her last season anyway.

"She's a game wee thing and if she puts that into her foals it would certainly help."

The Stewards interviewed A.J. Farragher, rider of Six Silver Lane (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned in the presence of his Master, John James Feane.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that A.J.Farragher was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with his arm above shoulder height.

Having taken his clean record into consideration, the Stewards cautioned A.J. Farragher.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Six Silver Lane (GB) trained by John James Feane was noted to have lost a left fore shoe post race.

(GC & EM)