Harry's Bar makes it 5 from 8 at Dundalk

Harry's Bar made it five wins from eight visits to Dundalk, as he comfortably took the opener, the William Hill Bet Boost Handicap.

Successful on his most recent visit to the Co Louth venue in March, the Adrian McGuinness trained seven-year-old since finished down the field at Newcastle and the Curragh respectively.

Sent off the 3/1 favourite this afternoon, the Exceed And Excel chestnut was slightly slow into stride and raced towards rear in the early stages.

He was pushed along and made steady headway from the two-furlong pole and was ridden to the front inside the final 150 yards, going on to score by two lengths in the colours of Shamrock Thoroughbreds. Jarvis (13/2) finished second under Mark Enright for Ger Lyons, while Harmony Rose (14/1) was another half-a-length back in third.

Winning rider Adam Caffrey was recording his third career success aboard Harry's Bar and as a result his claim will now be reduced to seven.

Assistant trainer Stephen Thorne said: "It was a little bit nerve-racking beforehand because he can be a bit temperamental in the gates. We put the hood on him.

"There was plenty of pace on throughout, he likes a fast pace to aim at. That is his trip once they go quick.

"The young lad (Adam Caffrey) was brilliant on him. He knows the horse really well and he deserved his opportunity. He has delivered and that is his 10lb claim gone now. He has been knocking on the door in premier handicaps as well, the young lad, and hopefully now he will shine in one of those big races for us coming up soon."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham