"He ran well here the last twice so it's grand to get him to win," said John Feane after his Strategic Heights gained a sixth Dundalk win in the first split of the Kennedy's Bar, Dundalk Handicap.

This six furlong event saw punters treated to an exciting conclusion as Strategic Heights, under Kevin Manning, just edged out the front-runner, Red All Star and Killian Leonard, by a short head.

Leonard also finished second on Brave Display in the opener.

In this event Strategic Heights and Red All Star shared favouritism at odds of 7/2.

"The handicapper sort of has him but Kevin gave him a great ride," elaborated Feane.

"Luckily he has a big head!"

S.B. Kelly, rider of Pillar (GB) trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung slightly right.

M.D. O'Callaghan, trainer of Mr Bounty (GB), reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge burst a blood vessel.

S.P. Davis, rider of Mr Bernard (USA) trained by M.D. O'Callaghan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was slowly away, banged the gate and lost an iron.

(GC & EM)