Timely boost for Collins as Buddy Batt takes Dundalk opener After the recent passing of her mother Barbara, Buddy Batt provided Tracey Collins with a timely boost in the opening Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap. Previously in the care of Darren Bunyan and Ger O'Leary, the Dragon Pulse four-year-old was fifth of 16 on his latest start at the Curragh. Sent off an 8/1 chance this afternoon, the 64-rated chestnut soon raced in mid-division under Ronan Whelan. Switched left from early in the straight and soon improving to challenge, he hit the front with a furlong to go and kept on well from there to score by a length-and-a-quarter for owners Brian Bunyan & the Straight To Victory Syndicate. David Marnane's Tomarlo (9/4) finished second under Luke McAteer, while Inishmot Prince (18/1) was another two-and-three-quarters of a length back in third. One of three Denis Hogan-trained, James McAuley-owned representatives in the line-up, Dontspoilasale was returned the well-supported 2/1 favourite (touched 9/2 early) and he finished a disappointing fourth. "Darren (Bunyan) told me last year he was a very weak horse. He just took a bit of time to strengthen," Collins, who was registering her first success since the dissolvement of her training partnership with Mick Halford, commented. "Probably the ground at the Curragh the last day was quite heavy and he just handled that (polytrack) much better. "That was the plan to bring him up here for the winter, that's the plan with him. "He's a very kind horse, a very relaxed horse, and he's not like your typical sprinter. He's very chilled out. "Hopefully he will (go on from that as a lightly-raced sort). "It is great for Eamonn, Darren and Brian (Straight To Victory Syndicate). Darren handed in his licence last year and I was lucky enough that he gave him to me, so I'm delighted to be able to get a success for him." Whelan added: "He was an absolute gentleman, it was nearly too enjoyable, it felt too easy. He lobbed down, he jumped, he travelled, it was very smooth. "He felt like a grade above them through the race. It felt like I could kick and go whenever I wanted. "It's nice to be able to provide Tracey with a winner after her mother passed away recently." Additional reporting by Michael Graham
