Tornadodancer stayed on gamely in the closing stages to repel the charge of Russian Empress in the opening six furlongs conditions race at Dundalk.

Ben Curtis had hit the front under a furlong out on the gelding and he battled on well to score by a neck from the fast finishing 11/4 favourite.

"From about a month back I thought this would be his best chance to get his head in front, in this type of race," said trainer Tom McCourt.

"He hadn't been firing on his last couple of runs the way he was earlier in the summer. Race conditions suited him tonight.

"There is a race for him here next Friday but I'd be reluctant as he's probably done enough for the season.

"He's had a long enough year and it's nice to go out on a winning note."