French Company (16/1) survived a rare objection from connections of the runner-up today, before securing Dundalk's Winter Series Championship Handicap (div I), for trainer Jimmy Coogan and jcokey Gearoid Brouder.

French Company led with a furlong and a half to race and while runner-up Pro Bono (7/2f) gave chase and was carried slightly left in the closing stages, held on for a comfortable enough half-length success.

Enquiries are usually called by raceday stewards but with none forthcoming, Pro Bono's trainer Cormac Farrell lodged an objection, which ultimately failed.

French Company's trainer Coogan later commented “ we were very happy with him when he won in Fairyhouse but the handicapper put him up 11lb and it nailed him to the cross.

"I think he was about 5lb wrong today but with Gearoid (Brouder) claiming 5lb, it left him near to a winning mark again. He has won around here before, he had a recent run over hurdles and hopefully he will go on hurdling now.

“He is a good old money spinner and that's three he has won now."

Quotes from Michael Graham