Russian Soul won his fifth race at Dundalk (oft placed here too) when on his first outing since October he prevailed under Conor Hoban in the Weatherbys General Stud Book Handicap.

Winning trainer Michael Halford also supplied the favourite here in Dark Alliance (6th home) but Russian Soul didn't go un-backed either going off a 7/1 chance.

Switched out for his run, Russian Soul kept on well to lead close home for a half length verdict over Togoville

"The handicapper gave him a chance I suppose and he has a bit if class about him around here when things fall right for him," commented Halford.

"The fast pace suited him and Conor knows him well. He still retains a little bit of his old spark.

"He's a character as we saw going to the start. I don't mind if he goes down slow as long as he comes back quick!

"I was half thinking of going for the race on Good Friday but he has a bit to go yet to qualify for that.

"I may enter him next week over seven here as he'd need a few runs to qualify."

The Stewards enquired into an incident about one furlong from the finish involving Captain Cullen ridden by C.T. Keane, unplaced, Have A Nice Day (GB), ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed fourth and Split The Atom ridden by T.P. Madden, placed third, where it appeared that Have A Nice Day (GB) caused interference when switching outwards and a second incident close to the winning post involving Russian Soul, ridden by C.P. Hoban, placed first and Togoville, ridden by G.F. Carroll, placed second where it appeared that both horses made contact. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that both incidents were accidental in nature and took no further action.

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

G.F. Carroll, rider of Togoville, trained by Georgios Pakidis, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was hanging badly from the turn into the straight.

(GC & EM)