Luke McAteer rider of Fashaar© Photo Healy Racing
It was a case of last in, first home in the second divide of the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Handicap, as the Anthony McCann trained Fashaar landed the spoils under Luke McAteer.
Quite reluctant at the start, the six-year-old son of Showcasing needed a good push from the stall handlers but bounced out smartly and eventually settled behind the leaders on the inner.
He was ridden to challenge a furlong and a half from home and led inside the final 150 yards, keeping on well from there to hold off the fast-finishing Masalai by half a length.
The runner-up, who was returned the 5/2 favourite, didn't get the clearest of runs and ultimately had to settle for second under Oisin Orr for Eddie Lynam. Eacharn (6/1) was another half a length back in third, with Andrew Slattery aboard this one for his father Andy.
Fashaar was recording his third career success, with his previous wins also coming at Dundalk in December of 2017 and March of 2018.
"The last night things just happened too quick for him. We knew seven is his winning trip and stepping back worked out," said McCann.
"He gave him a very good ride. He got off him the last night and apologised because he had gone too far in front.
"There is no controlling of him really but Luke actually had him well under control tonight.
"The plan was just to sit in, to sit on something's girth if possible. He broke very well and he gave him a very good ride.
"Unfortunately Luke's just not getting enough rides at the moment but hopefully this will help him along the way."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
