Both previous winners of the winter series at Dundalk, Michael Halford and Shane Foley continue to steam ahead in the 2014/15 standings. The pair brought up a double on the polytrack tonight when Whaileyy landed the Dundalk Stadium – Light Up Your Night Handicap.

Since the turf flat season ended at Leopardstown on October 26th, Foley has ridden nine winners under the lights whilst Halford has trained eight.

The pair added to their earlier gains on this programme with Wychwood Warrior when Whaileyy defied top-weight.

Foley needed to switch the victorious Holy Roman Emperor gelding right to deliver his run from over a furlong out and he ended up picking up a two day careless riding ban for his troubles.

The well-backed 9/4 joint Whaileyy got up in the closing stages to fairly readily defeat his fellow market-leader Indian Landing

"He's tough and very genuine and he stuck at it well. He'll probably have another run now before we let him off as he's fit and well and enjoys the surface," stated Halford.

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages involving Whaileyy, ridden by S. Foley, winner, and Kiss The Stars ridden by C.R. King, unplaced, where it appeared Kiss The Stars suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion S. Foley was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 2 racedays.

(AM & EM)