Ampeson finishes strong to land Dundalk feature

Ampeson recorded his fifth win in just over 12 months when justifying good support in the featured William Hill Pick Your Places Handicap at Dundalk.

The Pat McKenna-trained gelding was driven along before the straight by Jack Kearney but the 13/2 chance, available at 16/1 earlier today, responded generously to lead inside the final furlong.

The Mayson gelding kept on well inside the final furlong for the 7lb claimer to beat Ivasecret by three quarters of a length with last year’s winner Dream Today having to settle for third after making most of the running.

McKenna said, "He was entitled to run well but it was very competitive. He always runs well but is probably at the top of his game at the moment. It was a very hot race and it's a good result for us.

“I thought he was a bit lost in the middle of it but he picked up and to be fair he won well at the line.

“He went close over a mile the last time but Wayne Lordan was telling us all along that six furlongs was his best trip. The pace suited today as when they were coming back he was picking up.

“He'll go up a couple of pounds for that but at least he's competing in those high level races, that's where we want him and it's a bit of a change for us from 47-65 races!”

Quotes by Gary Carson