Circus Ring masters them in Dundalk

Circus Ring was the emphatic winner of the seven furlong Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Handicap at Dundalk.

Joseph O'Brien 's Fastnet Rock horse was ridden by his brother Donnacha who settled him in rear of mid-division of the 14 runners.

The 3/1 chance began to make headway on the outer approaching the straight. He came under the whip two furlongs out when just off the leaders.

The three-year-old then progressed to grab the initiative with a furlong and a half to race and put the opposition to the sword in the final half furlong to win by a comfortable two and a quarter lengths.

Winging It finished off her race well to get up for second at 16/1 from Eacharn (16/1).

Donnacha O'Brien said: "It was probably a moderate enough race and he was probably on the right side of the handicap.

“Joseph got him off dad and he had been a disappointing for him. We thought there was a little bit more to come from him.

“Hopefully the handicapper won't crucify him and he might get another one.”

Circus Ring's first attempt at the polytrack saw him finish third in a one mile handicap a fortnight ago.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson