Ningaloo Reef continued on the upgrade when running out a convincing winner of the first division of the seven-furlong handicap at Dundalk.

Seamus Heffernan produced his mount to lead at the furlong pole and soon had matters in hand.

The Garvan Donnelly-trained gelding galloped on well in the closing stages to score by two-and-a-half lengths from 7/4 favourite Sharp And Smart

The 5/1 winner was recording his third success of the season, having won his previous two at Naas.

"Seamie said he's improving and we'll keep on placing him but won't over-run him," said Donnelly.

"I always thought he wanted better ground so was hoping Dundalk would suit. He's very consistent and genuine and it just took a while to get the key to him.

"They went fast which played into our hands. Seamie has been lucky for us and that's four or five winners this season he's ridden for me."

The winner is owned by the aptly named Monday Night Syndicate, which is made up of patrons of Gormleys pub in Garristown.