The opening Floodlit Friday Nights At Dundalk Maiden was billed as being all about strongly-backed odds-on shot, Peleponnesus but it was Laharde (5/1) that stole the show for David Marnane and now dual champion apprentice Connor King.

Front-running Peleponnesus (eventually 4th) couldn't find another gear in the final quarter mile and Laharde travelled well to lead a furlong and a half out.

He then went on to beat Falcao (had to be switched) by a length and three parts.

Marnane reported: "He's a good-looking Dutch Art horse, a lovely horse. He's going to the sales on Tuesday. He is very consistent and looks to be improving. I'm delighted for the syndicate who have three horses with me and all have won."

The other two horses owned by the syndicate are Pullman Brown and Octavia.

Brian Fleming, of the Racing Post, is a syndicate member, and reflected that it was set up on Champion Stakes Day two years ago.

(MG & EM)