Odds-on Fire lands Dundalk opener

Chestnut Fire justified odds of 8/13 when taking the opening Esther McGahon, McGuinness & Co. Solicitors, Dundalk Claiming Race.

Conor Hoban took aim at Elusive In Paris from a furlong and a half out in this mile event, and the Paul Rooney-owned and Michael Halford-trained chestnut went on to lead in the final fifty yards for a half length win.

Halford said: "He had the form and was weighted to win it but it's still nice when they go and do it. Conor gave him a lovely confident ride. I felt he was in the grip of the handicap and that's why I put him in a claimer.

"There has been a lot of interest in him all day. I've had plenty of phone calls so it's unlikely we'll bring him home but I hope he's as lucky for the next man as he was for us."

In at 20,000 Euros, trainer Ado McGuinness claimed Chestnut Fire.

Third home Burn The Boats was claimed for 8,000 Euros by the Bubbles Syndicate to stay with Johnny Levins.

(AM & EM)