Coen doubles up on Shamsuddin

Successful aboard Rough Diamond in the claimer, Ben Coen doubled up on 4/5 favourite Shamsuddin in the Fairways Dundalk Hotel Maiden.

The Siyouni gelding, runner-up on three of his five previous starts, made all and was pushed clear by Coen over a furlong out to beat Genoah by two and three quarter lengths.

Trainer Johnny Murtagh said of the Aga Khan-owned winner: "Straightforward, job done today. 

"He had a couple of good runs. He's been coming along and might just have run into one the last time, we had no excuses. 

"I thought a mile around here would suit him well. Ben said there was no pace and he just let him go nice fractions, he said. He quickened up well and he did what he had to go. Ben gave him a peach of a ride. 

"We will probably look at a handicap now and see if we can get a three-year-olds only handicap, and bring him along that way. 

"He should improve a bit too, he's starting to strengthen up and mentally he's in the right place.

"It is a good family for us."