Bucky Larson defied top-weight to justify favouritism in the Crowne Plaza Dundalk Race & Stay Handicap.

Another winner for the stallion, Footstepsinthesand, after the success of Flower Garland half-an-hour earlier, Bucky Larson (5/2) got a lovely patient steer from Colin Keane.

On the back of a decent comeback effort here five weeks ago, the Ger Lyons-trained Bucky Larson soon raced in mid-division, and he was sixth approaching the straight.

Pushed along and making headway between horses a furlong and a half out, Bucky Larson led early in the final furlong, staying on well to account for Shawaf by two lengths.

“There have been a few niggly problems along the way but the last day he ran a cracker having been off for so long. He would have just needed it and he came forward and won well,” said Keane.

“Hopefully during the summer, all going well, he could be a horse that could pick up a premier handicap or two along the way.”

On the team for the season ahead he added:- “So far so good anyway, no bubbles have been burst yet, and we look to have a nice string — fingers crossed.

“Siskin has done well from two to three and he seems in great nick.”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Atlas trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race. Samples were taken for analysis.

(GC & EM)