Well backed Prince takes the last

The well backed favourite Prince Of Fashion bounced back to form as he just got up to win the last at Dundalk, division two of the Christmas Parties At Dundalk Handicap.

As big as 9/1 with Boylesports this morning, the 5yo son of Desert Prince opened on-course at just 10/3 and went off the 3/1 favourite for trainer John Geoghegan.

Ridden by Pat Smullen, the course and distance winner raced in seventh in the early stages and was ridden in pursuit of leader Mojito Royale a furlong from home.

He stayed on well from there on got up close home to win by a neck at the line with the Eoin Doyle trained Mojito Royale (5/1) having to settle for second under Joseph O'Brien.

The Ger Lyons trained Shukhov finished a further lengths and three parts back in third under Emmet McNamara at 16/1.

John Geoghegan said afterwards: "It's great to have Pat Smullen aboard. We will tip away with him now as he seems to like the surface. He has had a few little problems and he was sick for a while."

The winner is half-brother to the Mick Halford trained nine time winning filly Invincible Ash.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)