Coen down to 7lb after Etoile win

Sam Coen rode out his 10lb claim when partnering Rock Etoile to success in the first division of the mile handicap at Dundalk.

The Andy Slattery-trained gelding tracked the leaders early on and was produced with a well-timed surge to lead over a furlong from home.

He galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-quarter success over 4/1 favourite Daonethatgotaway

The 9/2 winner (as big as 9/1 this morning) was recording his sixth career victory, half of which have been over course and distance. It was Coen's third win on the racecourse.

Slattery said: "We kind of aimed him at this race.

"He had a good run the last day in a '70' and he stayed on nicely, so I thought back at a '65' he had a right chance.

"Sam is in school, but he is in with me a fair bit. He will get opportunities as he is a good rider.

"He is down to 7lb now, he has ridden two (winners) on him."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)