Michael Halford with jockey Conor Hoban © Photo Healy Racing
Michael Halford was in scintillating form at Dundalk, bagging a treble.
The handler's spree started with Settle For Red s success in the first division of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race And Stay Handicap.
Conor Hoban was anxious to make use of the 13-8 favourite's stamina, turning for home in front.
There were a number of challenges up the long home straight, but Settle For Red saw them all off, Halford's charge recording a half-length success over Cristy's Call
Hoban added a second win of his own when guiding home Halford's third winner, Senyuman (8-1), in the Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Handicap, getting the better of a blanket finish to beat Timjoe by a head.
Shane Kelly produced a daring run on Victor's Beach (9-2) between horses to notch Halford's second win, squeezing between Elusive In Paris and Doc Holliday close home to beat the latter by a neck.
Chris Hayes had a treble of his own, culminating in Papa's Way s fast-finishing victory in the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey And Trainer Championship Maiden.
His second win came courtesy of a decisive late run on Armed Guard in the Happy New Year To All Our Patrons Handicap.
Eddie Lynam's 9-2 chance still had ground to make up at the two furlong pole, but Hayes pulled him wide and he nosed into the lead at the furlong pole.< Juara tried to go with Armed Guard, but the winner was too strong, coming home a length and a half in front.
Hayes had earlier got the ball rolling when The Firm justified 8-15 favouritism to land the Fundraising Made Easy At Dundalk Stadium Claiming Maiden, beating Ballynakelly by two and a half lengths.< Maontri was a commanding winner of the second division of the Crowne Plaza Hotel Race And Stay Handicap.
Skipping clear on the home turn under Colin Keane, the 4-1 joint-favourite easily beat Busalla by seven and a half lengths.
