Milltown Stud operator Jim Ryan bridged a gap of four years since his last winner when Pulse Of Shanghai just came out on top in the Irish EBF Supporting ICW Maiden at Down Royal.

Ryan has had very few runners in the interim and here he legged up Rory Cleary on his wife Geraldine’s Dragon Pulse gelding.

Just a short head and a neck split the first three at the line in this three-year-old and up sprint.

Colin Keane rode 66/1 chance Strong Johnson into second for Kieran Cotter whilst Son And Sannie was third.

"It was great. Five furlongs wouldn't be his trip, he would be a six or seven furlong horse so he did well to do as well as he did," said Ryan.

"We were expecting a good run, he ran great last week (in the Curragh) on his first run back for a long time. He was going to improve a bit from last week and that's what he did.

"If he's in good form he'll be out again soon, he will probably go back up in trip now.

"Today was the day!"

A.J. Slattery, rider of A Delight (FR) trained by Aidan F. Fogarty, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly left.

S. Foley, rider of Cruella Dovil trained by J.P. Murtagh, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount got tight for room after 150 yards.

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Cruella Dovil, ridden by S. Foley, Midge Maisel (GB), ridden by O.J. Orr, and Realtin Fantasy ridden by B.M. Coen, where it appeared Realtin Fantasy shifted left causing interference to Cruella Dovil and Midge Maisel. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. B.M. Coen gave his evidence in the presence of Mr. J. Sleator. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards deemed the incident to have been caused by accidental interference and took no further action.

(MG & EM)