Lucky 13 for Nova

Those that thought it was a long wait for race two winner, Hunaina to score (6th attempt), had an even longer spell to endure before Flowerhill Nova managed to get across the line in front. It was a case of lucky thirteen though for Flowerhill Nova when he landed the Dundalk Stadium Maiden.

Declan McDonogh 's mount achieved the victory in style too, Andy Slattery's charge quickening well when required to defeat Grainne's Dream by three and a half lengths.

"I actually thought it was a good draw for him today and that we'd hold him up and try something else with him as it was getting a bit frustrating," said Slattery.

"He wouldn't have beaten the winner last time but there has been a few times he has been unlucky when he was getting to the front too soon and idling.

"Surely we can't get anything (from the handicapper) tonight as he's rated 82 and the second is 68.

"The idea was to try and win a race with him and let him off, but Declan said that's as good as he ever was.

"I've always had it in the back of my head that he'll get mile-and-a-quarter next season even though that was six tonight.

"I said to Declan he definitely stays. He'll definitely stay a mile and maybe a mile-and-a-quarter.

"I've always thought he's a premier handicap horse and hopefully he will be next season on decent ground.

"He's always been a hard horse to handle and very free. My brother Willie rides him all the time at home and is the only one that can ride him.

"That's why he trotted to the start. He's starting to settle though and settled today."

(GC & EM)