The grey El Bello gets on top close home © Photo Healy Racing
The second split of the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap was won by 8/1 chance El Bello in the hands of Sean Bowen.
The grey son of El Kabeir, owned by the Premier Racing Club, tracked the leaders and made gradual headway down the straight to strike the front inside the final furlong for a half length victory over Pulse Of Shanghai
Twice a winner on the all-weather in Britain last year, the four-year-old had been fifth at Clonmel on Irish debut when in the care of Adrian Joyce and this was his first start for Birr handler Philip Byrne.
Bowen said: "He was impressive. He worked well therelast week at home and has always been a nice sort.
"The cheekpieces back on him today probably helped, they had a hood on him the last day to settle him.
"Dropping back down to seven probably suited him on the all-weather. He had won a good few over in England on it.
"I've been on a break for a long time with my suspension, but it is nice to get one before it (season) is finished.
"I'll be staying riding here (over the winter), so hopefully bang in a few more."
Quotes from Michael Graham
