The Aga Khan colours were carried to success at Dundalk tonight when Mariydi gained a narrow win in the Hillgate Publishing Ltd Maiden, under Rory Cleary.
The son of Kalanisi chased the leaders, improved to narrowly lead inside the final furlong before holding the challenge of 7/4 favourite Pozyc by a short head.
Halford later reported "I've always liked Mariydi a lot and he wasn't beaten that far in a good race on his latest run. He is a lovely tough horse, loves this surface and will have no problem getting further than a mile."