Trainer David Marnane ended a mid-season lull when his Cool Athete defied top weight in the Friday HorseRacing Returns 27th September Handicap (Div 1) at Dundalk today.

The son of Bahri was patiently ridden by Fergal Lynch before being produced to lead inside the final furlong for a length and a quarter win over Sterling Cooper

Afterwards Marnane, registered his first winner since August 6, stated “he (Cool Athlete) is good in that grade although he'll be out of that now. Hopefully the handicapper is not too harsh as he was slow enough to drop him.”

He added “he loves it around here and has good solid form here. It was a good performance although it might not have been the strongest race and he'll be kept going here; it gets me off the cold list!”

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson