Alfirak defies top-weight under Cleary for English

Alfirak defied top-weight in the second divide of the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.

Successful over the course and distance in April, the Damian English trained gelding was last seen finishing third to Waqaas at Laytown.

Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time this evening, the son of Tamayuz was sent off at 7/1 (from 5s on-course) in the colours of the Galaxy Horse Racing Syndicate.

Soon in front under Rory Cleary, the chestnut victor was ridden from the two furlong pole, and kept on well from there, going on to score by three parts of a length. Path Of Silver (8/1) came out of the pack, but couldn't reel-in the winner, and had to settle for second under Oisin Orr for Dick Brabazon. Bouquet Garni (10/1) was another length and a quarter back in third with Kevin Manning aboard this one for Edward O'Grady. Paved With Gold was sent off a well-backed 5/1 favourite (11s in early shows and from 7s on-course), and he finished sixth.

"I kind of expected that if I'm honest," said English.

"He ran a blinder on the beach over seven, which is just short of his best, and he just met the stream on the wrong stride when he was bang there.

"When he won here back in April I expected him to go on a do a lot more.

"He ran a blinder at Bellewstown when he got shuffled back and flew home to be second. Then it was soft ground in Galway, he was a little unlucky at Roscommon and we stepped him up to mile-and-two in Leopardstown.

"We haven't got everything right but we'll crack on now for a winter campaign and hopefully he'll be able to progress up the ratings. He should be one we can have a bit of fun with up here.

"The loose horse was a blessing there as he does idle in front. We told Rory to sit second or third but he was clever, once he saw the loose horse he said 'this is going to take me a long way'.

"You could see him in the final stages that he was looking around a bit. He's still a big baby and hopefully he can keep progressing."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson