Strategic Force gained a deserved third career success when landing a first Irish win for his trainer Ger O’Leary, in the opening Hibernia Steel Handicap at Dundalk today.

Previously successful twice at Kempton in 2014 for Clive Cox, the son of Strategic Prince had finished second on four of his previous five starts but today simply bolted up, winning easily under jockey Denis Lenihan.

Afterwards Lenihan stated “he did it easy, got a good tow into it and got there well.

“He was probably slowing up a little but in front, if anything, in the last half furlong.

“He was good and genuine today and now that’s he’s got his head in front hopefully he can win a few more.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson