He took the concluding event at Naas earlier with Empress Alma and there was more of the same at Bellewstown for Gavin Cromwell as his The Passing Wife emerged victorious in the closer, the J.H. McLoughlin Oil INH Flat Race.

Declan Lavery did the steering and the successful 8/13 shot was convincing enough in the manner of his win from chief market rivals Jackson Lamb and Gers Gigi Two and three parts of a length and two and a quarter lengths separated them at the line.

They left the rest twenty two lengths and more in their wake.

"He's held good company all winter without getting his head in front," said Cromwell.

"I suppose he was entitled to win it off his winter form.

"It is always competitive up here and delighted to win.

"We'll probably go for a hurdle in Galway now."

The Raceday Stewards reviewed the start of this race where it appeared that Getaway Blondie was slowly away. Having viewed the recording of the start and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

(MG & EM)