Stone Mountain (nearest) and Spruce Meadows battle out the finish© Photo Healy Racing
Aidan O'Brien recorded his fourth winner of the evening at Dundalk as his Stone Mountain dead-heated with Johnny Feane's Spruce Meadows in the Fundraising Made Easy At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.
Successful earlier with Caravaggio Seventh Heaven and Bravery O'Brien made it four with Stone Mountain who was ridden by his son Donnacha - himself completing a double having earlier won on Bravery.
Spruce Meadows, who was beaten by three parts of a length by Stone Mountain over the course and distance in February, was ridden by Gary Halpin for owner Ann Cassidy.
This son of Intikhab lead after three furlongs but was ridden and headed by Stone Mountain inside the final furlong.
However he battled back gamely in the final strides, getting up to draw level again on the line.
Both horses were returned at 5/1, while Fire Tree (10/1) finished a length and three parts back in third under Connor King for David Wachman. The Mouse Doctor was sent off the 9/2 favourite (from 7's on-course) and he was another two lengths back in fourth under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger.
Joseph O'Brien said afterwards: "It's been a very good night.
"He's a consistent horse. He needs cover and luck in running. Donnacha gave him a great ride.
"He'll stay further and jump a hurdle in time."
Johnny Feane said: "He's going to have one more run and then get a little break.
"Half a loaf is better than nothing at all. Gary said they were going no pace so he took the initiative and went to the front.
"He was leery in front but ran well and we're happy with that."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards informed John Joseph Murphy, trainer that Touch Of Gold (withdrawn after refusing to load) would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.
K.J. Leonard, rider of Power Grid trained by John James Feane, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung left in the straight.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
