Royal Impact strikes on handicap debut Overcoming a wide draw, the Jack Davison-trained Royal Impact (6/1 from 14s early) led home 13 rivals in the Put The Fun In Fundraising At Dundalk Handicap. Towards rear early on under James Ryan, the Far Above four-year-old, who was making his debut in handicap company, made good headway entering the straight and was pushed along in second with over a furlong to go. Owned and bred by Carol Benson, the 63-rated bay was ridden to the front inside the final 200 yards and ultimately came home a length-and-a-half to the good. With Iqbal Khan in the saddle, Lahore Da King (6/1) drifted right in the straight and relinquished the lead inside the final furlong, eventually finishing second. Well-supported from 6s into 5/2 favouritism, the Johnny Feane-trained Ohailbhic was another neck away in third. "I think it was a lovely ride from James," Davison enthused. "They seemed to go very aggressive to the first bend and he took his time. He had a willing accomplice then when he straightened up. He was good and honest to the line. "He's a fine big horse and he has obviously proved that he is well able on a sound surface. Equally, we would be looking forward to him on the turf as well. "To be honest, all he has done is improve. It is great that he got the 'W' today and hopefully there's a couple more."
