The versatile Dartan (10/3) recorded his third win of the summer and his seventh overall, as he beat market rival Barnacullia in the concluding Ploughman Bar & Grill (Q.R) Handicap.

Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time, the likeable Matthew Smith-trained victor raced in a share of the lead, before gaining a definite advantage under Derek O'Connor with three furlongs left to race.

Ridden inside the final furlong, the Killian McDonnell-owned grey kept up the gallop all the way to the line, comfortably holding off the late effort of Barnacullia (2/1f) and Harry Swan by half-a-length.

The front-pair were two-and-a-half lengths clear of Crassus in third under Finn Tegetmeier.

"The ground went against him in Galway and he got his ground today," said Smith.

"I thought it was a great performance off that weight, he was giving plenty of weight away.

"He's an honest horse and the cheekpieces sharpened him up a bit today. Derek gave him a great ride.

"He's declared in the hurdle tomorrow (the Mullacurry Cup) and if he's alright he'll probably come back. The ground should be nice so if he eats up and everything is fine, I don't see why not."

STEWARDS REPORTS

Mr P. Hanlon, rider of Fascinating Shadow trained by John Joseph Hanlon, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Matthew J. Smith, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Dartan (GB), placed first, as compared with its most recent run. Matthew J. Smith stated that his charge was reluctant to go at Galway and the application of first time cheek pieces coupled with better ground today had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson