Cliff emerges on top after tight finish and enquiry

20/1 shot Blackstone Cliff emerged on top after a thrilling four-way finish to the first division of the ten furlong handicap at Dundalk.

There were plenty in with chances going to the furlong marker as Kampala Beach and Dark Street came to dispute.

They were joined in the closing stages by Slamadoor and Blackstone Cliff and it was the latter who just had the edge at the line.

Tom Gibney 's charge was a nose in front of Dark Street. There was a further head back to Kampala Beach with another short-head back to Slamadoor.

The winner was switched left a furlong-and-a-half from home, by Dylan Browne McMonagle, causing interference to the Slamadoor and in turn a couple of other rivals.

After a stewards enquiry the result stood.

Browne McMonagle was recording a double on the night following his earlier victory on Dreal Deal

The winning rider said:- "I had a willing partner without a doubt. It set up lovely for him.

“He was dropped in the last day and we went slow and it kind of went out the window straight away. I just wanted to be behind the leaders today.

"He can be a free-going type so I didn't want to light him up too much. We went a real good gallop and he travelled into really easily. I sat off a couple horses in front of me to set it up when we got to the straight.

"I thought he was tough to win because I had to switch in a furlong and a half down and change course. He was tough and he stuck at it to the line."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)