Gary Halpin gained a third win in succession, following on from a Dundalk double last night, with victory on Patrick Prendergast's Canary Row in the 188BET.co.uk Handicap at Limerick.

Try as he might, well-backed favourite Expreso Brasileiro couldn't get to Canary Row (took over from two furlongs out) and half a length split them at the line.

Canary Row scored on his second outing, at Tipperary, in May 2012. On effort number twenty nine this was his second win today, on the first occasion that Halpin took the reins in a race.

"That was long overdue as he had about 20 runs in the 90s (ratings) but the penny dropped after two or three years and he eventually got to the 80s where he belongs," stated Prendergast.

"I'm delighted for his owner (Rick Barnes) as he was advised to send him to England to get a chance. He's a great supporter of Irish racing though and it would be a shame if my contemporaries have to send horses to England to get dropped.

"Finishing second to Dawn Approach (in March 2012) was the worst thing he ever did."

He added "Gary (Halpin) is a big plus as his 5lb claim is almost free at this stage."

L.F. Roche, rider of Dazzle The Duel trained by D.J. Bunyan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stopped quickly.

(TW & EM)