Adrian Joyce and Shane Foley took the opening Crowne Plaza Race and Stay Handicap at Dundalk with Blastofmagic

Well-backed favourite Glenmoore tried hard but in the end he lost out by half a length to Blastofmagic (4/1). Pillar didn't get a clear run two furlongs out and he ended up a head back in third.

"He was robbed in Lingfield where he looked home and hosed but he pulled himself up in front. I fancied him today and everything went to plan. He just doesn't do a stroke when he hits the front," said Joyce.

"The owner (Sean Dalton) is out on a cruise in Florida at the moment so he'll be happy out.

"I really think this horse can win a big handicap during the summer, and he's a lot better than what he's rated. He has a lot of speed and a lot of class, and when he gets in a big field with plenty of speed on early it will suit him.

"He likes nice ground as he's a good moving horse."

The Stewards interviewed D.P. Linehan, rider of Glenmoore (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.

Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that D.P. Linehan was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (g) in that he used his whip with his arm above shoulder height.

Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended D.P. Linehan for 2 racedays.

(AM & EM)