Statue Of Dreams (left) comes to nab Drinmoy Lad near the line© Photo Healy Racing
Statue Of Dreams made it two from two for favourite backers as he took the Heineken Inter Vintners Pub Challenge Race Nite Handicap, for his trainer James McCabe with Chris Hayes aboard.
The 6yo son of Statue Of Liberty was sent off the 9/4 favourite after being well supported from his opening show of 10/3.
Having raced wide in mid-division, he then made headway into fifth two furlongs out. He was ridden into fourth a furlong out as the Michael McElhone trained Drinmoy Lad (16/1) hit the front there.
However Statue Of Dreams found more on the run to the line and kept on best to grind down Drinmoy Lad and score by a neck.
The front duo went three and a quarter lengths clear of Ultra Steps who completed the placings back in third at 14/1 for Adrian McGuinness & Ian Brennan.
The winner was recording his fourth career success and his second this season having also won at Navan last month.
Winning trainer James McCabe said afterwards: "He had a wind operation between the end of last season and the start of this one and he seems to be happier in his racing now.
"Chris gave him a great ride. He is a funny old bugger at the best of times. We will keep him busy if this weather keeps up.
"His owner Maurice Flynn has been a great supporter of the yard and has been with me since I started out as a trainer."
(On-course reporting by Michael Graham)
