Blastofmagic battles gamely to beat Red Cymbal

Blastofmagic just prevailed in the Floodlit Fridays Return To Dundalk 17th September Handicap.

Without a win since June of last year, the Ger O'Leary trained seven-year-old was placed five times since and was seventh at Navan on his most recent start.

Sent off a 12/1 chance today, the Shane Foley ridden gelding was settled in mid-division. Switched wide from early in the straight, he soon took closer order and was ridden to challenge from the furlong pole.

He had a good battle with Red Cymbal inside the final 200 yards and just a short head separated the pair at the line.

The runner-up was returned at 10/1 under Mikey Sheehy for Anthony McCann, while Drombeg Duke (12/1) was another length back in third. Dee Sprinter who was sent off the 7/2 favourite (from 11s this morning), finished a disappointing eighth, while Adams Barbour (15/2 to 9/2) was ninth.

Adrian Joyce, assistant trainer, said afterwards: "Sean (Dalton, owner) was with me for a long time before I joined Ger and we're delighted to get that winner for him.

"He's out in America at the moment with his family and he's over the moon. This horse is a real pet of the yard and it's great to get another win into him.

"We are rolling on now for the rest of the season and we are going to have plenty to run. It will be an exciting few weeks ahead and most of them need slow ground."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards received a report from Ms. J. Walsh, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Clerk of the Scales, regarding the fact that Sam Ewing, rider of King's View weighed in at 1.1 lbs overweight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that Sam Ewing was in breach of Rule 231 and having considered his record in this regard the Stewards cautioned him on this occasion. Sam Ewing was accompanied at this enquiry by Damien Byrne.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee