Newcomer Wolf In The Desert was all the rage during the day in the betting for Dundalk’s extended mile and a quarter maiden for three-year-olds. He duly landed the win, but was made to work for it by Bogardus

Wolf In The Desert was hammered down to 1/2 from 15/8 before racing and eventually went off the 5/6 favourite.

He raced along the inner rail into second place as the seven runners turned into the home straight. The lead was assumed with a furlong and a half to go though Bogardus on his outside was up for a scrap. In the last 100 yards Chris Hayes and Wolf In The Desert asserted to get on top by a length and a half. Patrick Prendergast's Bogardus was second at 11/4.

“He did it well although he didn't really help himself as he was quite green,” said trainer Paul Deegan.

“He should come on a good bit from that and he's a smart sort of horse. He could be a horse for the Ballysax. He's always shown plenty and is a nice sort.

“This was a nice race for him and Paddy's horse (Bogardus) set a fair standard.”

This was Deegan’s third Dundalk winner from his last four runners at the track.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson