Won Diamond is tackled by Elleval © Photo Healy Racing
Won Diamond just repelled the persistent challenge of Elleval in the juvenile maiden at Dundalk to give Mick Halford a quick double at Dundalk.
Shane Foley cut out the running on the well backed son of Mount Nelson in the mile contest.
The pair were tackled by Elleval over a furlong out and had to buckle down in the closing stages.
Only a short-head seperated the duo as they flashed past the post with Won Diamond hanging on for the verdict.
The winner has been supported from 4/1 this morning and was sent off a solid 2/1 favourite on track.
He had shaped with promise on his sole start at Leopardstown last month when third behind a smart looking sort in Foundry.
"He's a big baby and from his draw (wide in 12) he had to go forward. He wasn't doing a whole lot in front," said Halford.
"I'm happy to get the winning bracket. He's a lovely horse and one for the future.
"I thought he would have learned plenty from his debut at Leopardstown but he was still very babyish at home.
"Shane said he had a good look at the ambulance down the far side and it was a long way down the straight."
Halford had also taken the previous apprentice race when Rummaging led home a one-two for the yard.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
