It was hardly any surprise to hear Michael Halford enthuse in the aftermath of the titanbet.co.uk Handicap: "He keeps improving and loves his racing. He's exceptionally tough and wants to win which is so important." Halford's Hat Alnasar had just taken his Dundalk score to five wins and numerous placings from fourteen efforts on the polytrack.

"I keep thinking one of these days the handicapper will catch up with him but he keeps pulling it out. We've had a wonderful winter with him, and he's due a break at some stage," added Halford of the Kevin Manning-ridden winner.

"The owner (Fathi Egziama) has horses in Dubai, and he may end up out there some day."

Hat Alnasar made all and at the death he fended off Split The Atom (had to switch right in the final furlong) and Northern Surprise by a short head and a neck.

P.J. Smullen, rider of Have A Nice Day (GB), trained by Sabrina J. Harty, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly right in the straight.

(AM & EM)