Seven year old Blue Wood gained a first win on his 13th start today, narrowly landing Dundalk's concluding 12th July Ladies Day At Dundalk Handicap (div II) for trainer Mark Cahill and jockey Alan Persse.

The son of Requinto raced with the pace and eventually edged just his nose past long-time leader Cherry Bloom at the winning line.

Jockey Persse said: "Mark (Cahill) has done wonders with this lad and we had a lovely run around (when third) the last day.

"To be fair to the owner (Peadar Kelly) and Mark, I was suspended for Tuesday here and they were meant to run, but kept him for this race. Thankfully I was able to reward them.”

He added “off that mark, he has been putting a few good runs together and we were expecting a good run today. He's tough and he's putting his head down. He is going the right way so hopefully he can pick up another few for the boys.

"If he could transfer the form to nice summer ground, we would be away."

Quotes from Michael Graham