Star sends Halford & McGovern home happy

Not too many Dundalk meetings pass off without a winner for Michael Halford, and the Copper Beech Stables operator struck in the finale, the Titanbet.co.uk Handicap, with 8/1 shot Temasek Star

Conor McGovern rode the victorious Soviet Star gelding and he got home by a neck and a short head from Brokopondo and Jack Blue The latter came in from 8/1 to a starting price of 11/2 on track.

"He's fierce genuine and really tries," said Halford.

"He wants to win which is important. That was his first time at the trip but he gets it well and switches off well. He'll keep going at that level.

"Conor gets a good tune from him and I thought he did particularly well from a wide draw tonight to get him into a lovely position. Conor is good value (for his claim) and is riding well."

(GC & EM)