Halford takes opener

The opening race at Dundalk this afternoon, the Botanica.ie Race was claimed by the Michael Halford trained Sampers in the hands of Gary Carroll.

Carroll had the 9/2 shot in front over a furlong out and the pair sprinted clear of the rest to record a cosy two length win.

Winning trainer Halford said afterwards: “She loves it around here, she loves that surface and always runs a good race around here.”

“The race unfolded well for her, they went fast early on and she loves plenty of pace. Gary [Carroll] knows her really well and she performs well for him.”

“If the ground stays good we’ll bring her to Cork next week for a handicap and if she improves enough we may go for the five furlong Listed Race here later in the season.”