Shane Kelly showed his talent as he bridged a gap going back to March to get on the score-sheet and credit trainer Michael Halford with a double in the Dundalk Stadium On Facebook Handicap.

Backed in from as big as 7s this morning into 4/1, Alvar didn't look like he'd be following up on the Halford winner from earlier on the programme, Dark Alliance as Muck 'N' Brass made the best of his way home.

However Kelly got Alvar going to short-head well-backed favourite Manorov with the aforementioned Muck 'N' Brass (lively himself in the betting from fancy prices earlier in the day into 8s) one-paced close home and dropping to third.

Halford said: "That was a brilliant ride and Shane deserved it. He's with us but we have plenty of lads and he doesn't get a lot of opportunities.

"He's a very talented rider though. He won on him before and I spoke to the owner about putting him on him tonight. He needed a win so hopefully that'll help him.

"This horse is gutsy and rallied well. We tried him on grass but he didn't like it.

"He's bred to be a fast horse. We've stretched him out distance wise and that's probably his trip."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Mr Lando (GB), trained by Tony Carroll (in GB), at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(MG & EM)