Kortez Bay (7/2 co-fav) struck for the second time this season when landing the Fitzgerald´s Woodlands House Hotel Handicap under Gary Carroll.

The son of New Bay was dropped in towards the rear and got a lovely split between horses over a furlong out before heading Fleetfoot in the final 150 yards for a length-and-a-half success.

Sheila Lavery, who trains the winner for her niece Joanne Lavery, reflected:  “He’s learning all the time and strengthening all the time. He’s starting to do everything right. 

“We’re not there yet and I think there is still a lot of improvement in him. Down the line he could step up to a mile-and-a-half. 

“I loved the way he travelled into the race and Gary said he just parked a bit in front. 

“I wasn’t sure about the ground, but he settled pretty well which is the main thing.” 

Quotes from Alan Magee