Double for Colin Keane but Birch steals the show at Dundalk

Wednesday: Dundalk

White Birch handled the switch from turf to the all-weather surface impeccably in the 7f maiden, recording a dominant success for his owner-trainer John Murphy.

The son of Ulysses was also suited by the drop down to seven furlongs and accounted for his rivals by six and a half lengths.

His rider Robbie Colgan told Racing TV: "He moved really well and it felt like he loved it. He's a fine big horse with a big stride on him and hopefully he could be anything."

Two for Keane

Hale Bopp relished the switch to claiming company in the opening contest over a mile, pulling a length clear of Rocky Dreams to score under four-time champion jockey Colin Keane.

Keane later landed a double as 7-2 shot Ebtsama saw off Aces Wild by a short-head in the 6f maiden, striking on her second start for trainer Ado McGuinness.

The trainer said: "She was very honest and galloped away to the line. Colin was very good on her."

Replays, results and analysis

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