Favourite Patsy Veale came out on top in a controversial conclusion to the Harp Lager Handicap Hurdle at Dundalk last evening. Ruby Walsh's mount was involved in a protracted duel with Mister Chippy throughout the closing stages of the racebefore the latter's jockey David Casey appeared to ease his mount prematurely when still in with every chance. Just half a length separated the pair at the line and many observers, including Patsy Veales's trainer John Queally, felt that the winner may have been gifted the prize.

However, having viewed the race from a different angle, the stewards clearly disagreed with what seemed to be the majority opinion that Casey had forfeited more ground than he was eventually beaten. In their view, Mister Chippy had no more to offer at the time and consequently they took no action against the rider.

Punters got it wrong in the opening Smirnoff Maiden Hurdle when ousted market leader Ballymote comfortably got the better of the gambled-on Macks Hunter. The latter was backed from 7 to 2 to 2 to 1 favourite but was always playing second fiddle to Paul Carberry's mount in the straight.

Kildare trainer Peter Mooney saddled his first winner since returning from a spell in England when Global Explorer took the Baileys Handicap.