Meadows finally comes into bloom for Feane

For a nearly horse in this type of race, an open looking Irish Stallion Farms EBF Red God Handicap finally proved a winnable proposition for the John Feane-trained Spruce Meadows.

The well-backed second favourite didn't exactly have things his own way though. As can often happen in Dundalk handicaps it became a rough race in the straight, but under a strong drive from Gary Halpin he got his head in front where it counted to beat Le Vagabond by a short head.

"After he finished second in the Cork Derby we ran him another couple of times over a mile and a half in races that suited, but I don't think he fully got the trip," said Feane.