Ashton Rose s brave bid for a four-timer was narrowly foiled in the Winter Racing At Dundalk Handicap as Fountain Of Honour scored on outing number two for Noel Meade with Seamie Heffernan in the plate.
Fourth here a week ago behind Maggie Neary the victorious daughter of Sadler's Wells responded well to Heffernan's persuasion, staying on well to beat Ashton Rose by half a length.
A gamble on Lord Kenmare (14/1 this morning into 7/2) misfired as he could only manage 7th place.
Noel Meade explained how he came to have Fountain Of Honour, saying: "She was sent up from Stacks for a change of scenery.
"That's about her trip and she has loads of boot. She's a Sadler's Wells filly so it's great that she's won.
"She really likes that fast ground – she really dances along.
"She won't be going hurdling." (AM & EM)