He may have received reminders leaving the stalls but Commander Won (3/1) reveresed course and distance form with Nimitz (15/8 favourite) from a fortnight back to triumph in the Carrickdale Hotel & Spa Handicap at Dundalk.

It wasn't a surprise to hear winning trainer Dermot McLoughlin say in the aftermath: "He's tough. Once he gets to the front he seems to enjoy himself in front."

The Shane Foley-ridden Commander Won led after three furlongs and though pressed from over a furlong out the winner pulled out enough to score by a length.

"Shane knows him well. He keeps going and he's a good dour stayer. He keeps grinding it out," further reflected McLoughlin.

"That's four he's won here now and we'll see what the handicapper does now.

"Once there are races here we'll keep going. He's on the go a while. We might stick him over hurdles again to keep him sweet."

(GC & EM)