Accompanist relishes return to Dundalk

Ben Curtis gave Accompanist a strong drive to grab the spoils in the first division of the ten furlong handicap at Dundalk.

The Tom McCourt-trained gelding was produced to challenge a furlong out and was forced to the front in the closing stages.

He prevailed by a neck in the tight finish from Gabh Mo Leithsceal with 2/1 favourite Coach Bombay only a neck back in third after meeting trouble in running.

The 14/1 winner was recording his second victory at the track and his third on the all-weather having been well beaten on turf on the Flat and over hurdles recently.

"He deserved that and I thought Ben was very good on him. He's gone clever enough and needs his mind made up," said McCourt.

"He got stuck into him and didn't give him anyway out. He has ability but you just need to get him on his day. He even needs a drive out of the stalls.

"This place suits him and we'll keep him on the go over the winter. It's good to get a winner for Sean Gallagher who is a good supporter."

The race was delayed by nine minutes after Flash Empress got under the stalls and ran loose. She was withdrawn.