Pillar (12s into 9s) came out on top in the Holcroft Peugeot Drogheda Handicap at Bellewstown for Ado McGuinness and Shane Foley.

Well-backed as well was favourite Little Clarinet (6s into 4s), and she failed by a head to deal with Pillar who made most.

"I'm delighted for Sean Gallagher (not the presidential candidate of the same name) who loves to get a winner here. He's a local man and one of my biggest owners," said McGuinness.

"He's a bit of a monkey but has plenty of ability, and the plan was to jump the gates and burn. He'll go to the beach (at Laytown) next week."

C.D. Hayes, rider of Court Queen trained by J.A.Stack, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was hampered in the straight.

D.E. Sheehy, rider of Simbas Song trained by Adrian Paul Keatley, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran short of room in the straight.

Francis Casey, trainer of Straffan reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge didn't handle the track.

(AM & EM)