He had only visited Dundalk to race on one occasion previously, that being last August when successful in a mile handicap and Banna Boirche returned to make it two from two on the all-weather when stylishly landing the opening attheraces.com/Cheltenham Handicap under Shane Foley.

By the New Zealand-bred stallion, Lucky Owners, Banna Boirche made up his ground easily from the back, down along the outside in the straight, and once given the office inside the final furlong the Paul Rooney-owned four-year-old went on to prevail by two lengths from Solent Ridge

Successful trainer, Michael Halford said: "He had a wind-operation over the winter and he got stronger so the winter done him well. He loves the surface and Shane gave him a great ride. They might have went too fast for their own good up front. Mine seem to be forward enough.

"Shanrod goes for the Fred Winter next week. He is due to carry ten stone five and I'd imagine Robbie Power will ride him."