Bear best for long time alliance

Magic Bear built on the promise of her debut second placing at Navan twenty three days back to justify favouritism in the opening Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Maiden.

Three still had a chance at the business end in this six furlong heat, and Wayne Lordan's mount Magic Bear proved strongest from Almoner and Sufoof by half a length and a neck.

Trevor Dalzell owns the successful daughter of Kodiac, and the three-year-old was bred by her trainer Eddie Lynam.

"She's a homebred filly and is from one of the best families that we have been involved with. Her dam is a half-sister to the dam of Slade Power," said Lynam.

"She's owned by Trevor Dalzell who has been with me since the year dot, and hopefully she will be a fun little sprint handicapper next year. She's finished now for this year."

The Stewards fined John C. McConnell, trainer, €350 for lodging a passport in respect of Al Batal (GB), in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91.

The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

P.J. Smullen, rider of A Likely Story trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost his action in the closing stages as his stride shortened.

(AM & EM)