Gamble landed as Pursuit makes all

Relentless Pursuit landed a gamble as he made all to win the www.dundalkstadium.com Handicap under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons.

The son of Kodiac, having his third start in handicap company, was available at 16/1 last night, but he opened on-course at just 8's before being backed all the way into 9/2 joint-favouritism at the off.

Drawn on the rail in stall one, the blinkered bay gelding was pushed into the lead soon after breaking from the stalls, and he was around five lengths clear as they entered the straight.

He was ridden along from two furlongs out, and he kept on well in the final furlong to score by a length and three parts.

The Eddie Lynam trained Wishyouwerehere was the other joint favourite (from 11/2 on-course) and he finished second under Robbie Downey, while Local Flier was a further three and a half lengths back in third under Connor King for Tom McCourt at 16/1.

Shane Lyons said afterwards: "Colin gave him a super ride, he rode to the plan. He was drawn in one and we didn’t want to give away the advantage.

"He has plenty of speed for seven furlongs but he will improve for a bit further as well.

"Colin was able to give him a nice breather around the bend, it gave him confidence and he kicked two furlongs out.

"He rode a similar race on him around here as a two-year-old and he had them all in trouble that day so that was plan.

"Colin is riding with plenty of confidence and he is making no mistakes.

"I'm delighted for Vincent (winning owner Vincent Gaul) he has been a great supporter."

The winner cost 26,000 Guineas as a yearling and he is half-brother to Kindlelight Debut who won ten times on the level in the UK.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson