The Ger Lyons-trained Ellaria gained an important first win before a date at the sales next month when claiming the concluding six-furlong handicap at Dundalk this evening.

Colin Keane got a good run up the rail on the 7/2 shot inside the final furlong to record a half length victory over Lily’s Prince.

The daughter of Exceed And Excel, who was tackling her first handicap, had been placed in three maidens at the course previously.

“She deserved that as she’s been very consistent. One of her best runs was over six so we decided to drop her back to six,” said Shane Lyons.

“She was very brave there and Colin was very good on her.

“She’s in the February sales at Goffs and I’d say that’s her next port of call. She has a good pedigree for breeding.

“She’s been placed and is after getting the bracket now which is always very important.”