Donnacha O'Brien brings Sharjah home in front© Photo Healy Racing
Andy Slattery's Sharjah continued his fabulously consistent run when landing the Floolit Friday Nights At Dundalk Handicap under Donnacha O'Brien.
The well-related son of Shamardal has done no worse than fourth in his last nine starts and here he was always to the fore before getting the better of Rose Angel by half a length.
This was a sixth career win for the five-year-old. Empresario (100/30) was well-backed. He was slowly away and raced too keenly. Tom Madden's mount eventually filled third position.
It wasn't any surprise to hear Slattery enthuse in the aftermath: "That's the eighth or ninth run that he hasn't been out of the prize-money.
"I don't know when I'll get a rest into him. He keeps coming here bouncing every week so I'll keep him going for the time being.
"My daughter Anna, who led him up, is looking for her first ride and hopefully she'll ride him in the Ladies Derby at the Curragh when she gets her licence.
"He's a great little horse and a great money spinner. That was probably his best performance.
"Declan (McDonogh, regular rider) wanted to run him next week over two miles, and we think he'll get two miles, but he travelled as well as I've ever seen tonight over ten furlongs."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Catchy Lass trained by Anthony Mulholland, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(GC & EM)
