Linehan & Birrane on the mark with Danilo

The Fergal Birrane trained Sir Danilo got the better of market rival Liberatio in the Celebrate At Dundalk Stadium Maiden.

Having opened at 9/10 on-course, the bay victor drifted out to a starting price of 5/4, with Liberato going in the opposite direction, touching 15/8 on-course before going off the 11/10 favourite.

The winner, who filled the runner-up spot three times previously, made virtually all under Denis Linehan.

He was ridden and joined by Liberatio inside the final furlong, but battled back gamely under pressure, going on to score by half a length.

Pat Smullen was aboard the runner-up for Mick Halford, while Nisior Donn (12/1) was a further six lengths back in third with Ross Coakley aboard for Gavin Cromwell.

Birrane, who was recording his ninth success, said afterwards: "We've waited a long time for this as we bought him as a yearling and broke him at home. He was gelded last year as he was a bit coltish but that made a difference and he's more settled.

"We brought him back over a mile and a half as he seemed to be looking for a distance and was second three times in the past over a mile. We'll probably stay around a mile with him now. He's entered again here on Friday so we'll see how he comes out of this."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee