Halford and Coakley team up for a winner

Yamato off a 53 day break, added to his course and distance success from October 2016 in the opening Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium 2017 Apprentice Handicap.

Ross Coakley was in the plate for Michael Halford, and the Big Bad Bob gelding finished well between horses to eventually get the better of Park Row by three parts of a length.

Less than six lengths split all fourteen of them at the conclusion of this mile 50 to 70 heat.

Halford said afterwards: "We have just been waiting on ground for him really. He obviously likes it around here and is a genuine little horse. That's his ideal trip and conditions. His owner has been very patient and it's nice to see him rewarded.

"Ross is a neighbour of ours and comes in a day a week to ride work for us. He's a good rider and is very dedicated and works hard at it."

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straight involving Alnahar ridden by G.M. Ryan, placed third and Richard Strauss ridden by S. Corby, placed fourth, where it appeared Alnahar received interference.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned, G.M. Ryan gave his evidence in the presence of G. Flynn, representative of his Master, J.S. Bolger.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings and took no further action.

(AM & EM)