I'm Spartacus completed an opening race double for Ado McGuiness and Adam Caffrey when just holding on to win the View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Apprentice Handicap.

Twice a winner on the all-weather when trained in Britain, the three-year-old was making his first start on an artificial surface since arriving in this country.

A consistent performer on turf in recent months, the Profitable gelding looked much more at home on this surface. Travelling easily throughout, he headed leader Manhattan Dreamer over a furlong out.

Hanging badly right inside the final furlong, the 9/4f picked up close home with the aid of the stands rail to win by a head.

“He was probably a little unlucky not to win last Tuesday,” said Ado McGuinness.

“I had him entered here and in England he went very well on this surface so we decided to come here.

“It's always in the back of your mind when you come back quick if it's taken too much out of him but he grubbed up well. He had quite an easy week and we left him nice and fresh.

“Fair play to Adam, he had a good draw and sort of had to make use of it but he didn't do too much.

“He probably got there a bit too early and he was having a bit of a gawk, especially with the stands there as well.

“He's in again on Tuesday and if the handicapper is hard on him he might force me to go again. He probably will be declared for Cork.

“The syndicate who own him are mainly from Armagh, and include former all-Ireland winner Paddy McKeever. There are also a few lads from the US involved.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.