Liam McAteer had to watch his former stable stalwart Croisultan score on his debut for a new yard at the Curragh on Sunday but the County Meath handler was back in the number one spot himself when Thats A Fret took thetote.com Handicap at Dundalk under Danny Mullins (got a 2 day ban for careless riding).

Thats A Fret looked a likely winner from a fair way out in this six furlong sprint and favourite Charismas Birthday was beaten when Mullins' mount edged in on her inside the final furlong. Thats A Fret eventually crossed the line half a length to the good from Footprint The aforementioned Charismas Birthday (3rd), Noble Four (8th) and Hello Man (11th) all attracted market support but failed to justify the confidence of their backers.

McAteer said: "I've been watching his races and the one thing I wanted from Danny was to take it up two furlongs out.

"I thought he could put the race to sleep a furlong out and Danny gave him a brilliant ride – he couldn't have done any better on him.

"He'll go back on grass now and maybe go for a six furlong 60 to 90 worth 20 grand at Naas in a few weeks time.

"I think that's his eighth win and it's great for his loyal owners, Jonathan Cusack and his mother Marie, hoteliers from Trim. They are very loyal owners."

The result stood after a steward's enquiry. (MG & EM)