Hoban and Halford double up with Soul

Russian Soul landed a quick double for Michael Halford and Conor Hoban when taking the mile handicap at Dundalk.

The 8/1 shot could be called the winner some way out as he travelled sweetly into contention in the straight.

The gelding was produced to lead a furlong out and stayed on strongly in the closing stages to record a length-and-three-quarters success.

The winner was following up on his maiden success at Down Royal last month having previously been runner-up here.

"I've loads of horses crying out for good ground and fair play to HRI for putting on this meeting," said Halford afterwards.

"I'd say it's much appreciated by all the trainers and we could do with a few more. We've had 4 solid months of soft and heavy ground and there are hundreds of good ground horses that have no chance.

"You only have to look at the number of entries and declarations to see it's needed.

"This horse ran on this surface before and loved it and then won up north. Conor gave him a lovely ride.

"It's hard to know first time in a handicap but he did it nicely. He's going the right way and is a lovely big horse."

4/1 favourite Go On Murt proved a major disappointment, trailing in last of the 14 runners. Fran Berry reported his mount choked in running.