Lad back in winning groove

Reckless Lad successful here over the course and distance last month but beaten on Friday night, got back in the winning groove when landing a little touch under Conor Hoban in the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Handicap.

Backed from 12/1 into 8/1, Pat Martin's Chevalier gelding travelled well behind the leaders. Once switched to the inner to get a run from the furlong pole, the four-year-old came home real strong to defeat Miller Beach by three parts of a length.

Both bidding for hat-tricks, Doc Holliday and Rose Angel had to make do with third and fourth placings respectively on this occasion.

Martin divulged: "Conor said he did too much in the early part of the race the last day. He got him switched off today and there was plenty of room on the inside once he could get there.

"He's a very honest horse and we'll probably keep him on the go here.

"Derek (Molloy, winning owner) is from Clonsilla. He's a long time friend and I've known him since our school days." (AM & EM)