Birrane goes from strength to strength at Dundalk

California Lad is now a three time winner over the extended mile and a quarter at Dundalk as he came out on top in the concluding Koffy Handicap.

The Aussie Rules gelding defied top-weight when following up a victory here from six weeks ago.

Ross Coakley was aboard the 6/1 shot this time, and they were never far away as Mulzamm cut out the running.

Coakley sent Fergal Birrane's runner for home from a furlong and a half out and he was soon gone beyond recall for a two and a half length win over Shake The Bucket

"This place has been awful lucky for us this year, it's unreal," said Birrane.

"I was delighted with him tonight the way he won there. He was really relaxed, even before he loaded in the stalls, and he's taking his racing really well.

"He's settling as the racing is going on. Ross gave him a super ride. He got him settled in behind another horse, switched him off and just came in the last 50 yards and went on lovely.

"We'll keep him going and keep him campaigning here and then probably look at the grass later on. That distance seems to suit him very well. That's three with him now so it's great."

W.M. Lordan, rider of Song Of The Sky (GB) trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got tight for room at the first bend.

C.D. Hayes, rider of Lizard Point trained by Patrick J.Flynn, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount got tight for room at the first bend.

(GC & EM)