The John McConnell-trained Higher Kingdom skipped clear in the closing stages to take the first division of the mile handicap at Dundalk in fine style.

Siobhan Rutledge tracked the front-running Ellabella before sending her mount to the front a furlong-and-a-half from home.

The 17/2 shot soon asserted and pulled clear inside the final furlong to record a six-length win over French Rescue

Higher Kingdom, supported from 20/1, had won twice in England and was recording his first success since joining McConnell.

McConnell said: "It worked out very well. I think he is a horse that likes space - in Galway he was in front and I think he enjoyed that.

"He is well handicapped if you look at his form from England. He's a very quirky horse.

"When we bought him, Joe Foley told me they thought he was a Guineas horse as a two-year-old, but I think he has his own ideas about the game. He was on a going day today obviously, so that was great.

"He has got ability but he doesn't always give it to you, but he has today and the owner has been very patient."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)