Luke Comer's Gains Of War stuck his head out in the closing stages to spring a 66/1 shock in the two-mile handicap at Dundalk.

There were five almost in a line passing the furlong pole as front-runner Kashi was joined.

It was the lightly-raced five-year-old Gains Of War who stayed on best to the line to record a half-length success over 2/1 favourite Folly Beach

The winner had finished mid-division over course and distance in late November and was making his sixth career outing.

Winning rider Nathan Crosse said: "I did (have plenty under me when it turned into a battle). He doesn't overly kill himself and I thought he did well there today.

"I got him up on the front end and he keeps galloping. He was good and game to the line.

"He had a little bit of a wind issue, but I think they got that sorted.

"I think he has a future as a handicapper - as you can see he is a big, big raw horse and is still learning on the job. There is a little bit more to come from him."

On his own start to the year, he added: "I am absolutely delighted. Great support from the Comer team and a great start overall."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)