Deer does the business

Roe Deer landed a nice touch when taking the mile-and-a-half handicap at Dundalk.

The gelding traded at 10/1 this morning, although one firm went totally out of line with a show of 25/1.

Tracey Collins' charge was nibbled at before racing and the support continued on course from 6/1 into 4/1 favourite.

There were plenty in with chances early in the straight but Michael Hussey got a lovely run up the rail on his mount.

He hit the front inside the final furlong and proved a half length too strong for Shake The Bucket

The winner was returning from a break having been well beaten when last seen here in July.

"He was entitled to win. He'd been quite consistent until one bad run the last day," said Collins afterwards.

"We couldn't find anything wrong so put it down as a bad day at the office. On form he should have been there or thereabouts.

"Michael gave him a lovely patient ride. He's a big boy who hasn't filled his frame yet.

"National Hunt is probably where he'll be heading but hopefully I can win another one or two on the Flat with him."

Declan McDonogh picked up a one-day ban for improper riding on Prince Of Fashion who had bumped Fosters Cross when angling out for a run over a furlong out.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)