Bayan holds off Saga Barbara© Photo Healy Racing
Emmet McNamara notched a double on the night when Bayan recorded a battling success in the concluding ten furlong maiden at Dundalk. Spirit Of Concorde was sent off the 10/11 favourite and hit the front with over two furlongs to run.
He was tracked through by Bayan, however, and Gordon Elliott's charge went on at the furlong pole as the market leader faded.
25/1 shot Saga Barbara came through to give chase inside the final furlong and got within half a length of the winner at the finish.
Bayan (15/8 from 5/2 on course) was making a successful return to the Flat having landed a Cork maiden hurdle at the end of last month.
“He's fit from hurdling and was entitled on ratings to win,” commented McNamara afterwards.
The winning jockey had also been successful in the other ten furlong maiden aboard Keeping
(Additional reportin by Alan Magee)
