Pre Tax Profit was given a fine front-running ride by John Egan to claim the six-furlong handicap at Dundalk.

Reggie Roberts' charge won the early race for the lead and travelled strongly at the head of affairs.

The 6/1 shot kicked a few lengths clear with a furlong-and-a-half to run and was kept going inside the final furlong to post a length-and-three-quarters victory.

Phebes Wish came through to give chase in the closing stages without ever looking like pegging back the winner.

Pre Tax Profit was making his first start since winning at Wolverhampton last September and had been placed at this venue twice before.

“I don't ride a lot but when I do I make it count,” quipped Egan afterwards.

“He has been a bit of a thief and I know him well from watching his races.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)