For most it was the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Race that generated the main interest on tonight's Dundalk card and Steps To Freedom put in an impressive performance to take the spoils under Shane 'Dusty' Foley.

Foley, bringing up a double on Steps To Freedom, having been earlier victorious aboard Alvar got a great tune out of Jessica Harrington's classy performer.

He was content to bide his time as Colla Pier and Solo Performer cut out the pace way ahead up front.

However the field came together in the straight, and the even money favourite led over a furlong out. He stayed on well to draw clear inside the final furlong – slamming Ozeta by four and a quarter lengths.

The well-backed Akasaka (9/4 into 13/8) was a length further back in third whilst the other main player in the market, Rich Coast got there with his chance from off the pace but eventually had to make do with fifth.

Foley said of Steps To Freedom, a Champion Hurdle entrant: "He's a class horse and he did that well. He had a nice blow and there's plenty of improvement in him. He'd been working well at home." (MG & EM)