JOHN McConnell and Keithen Kennedy have forged a strong alliance at Dundalk over the winter and combined for another winner when Zahee landed division 2 of the Friday 12th July Ladies Day At Dundalk Handicap for the 119 Partnership.

The nine-year-old gelding was far from swift into stride and ran freely, but began to make headway entering the straight.

He disputed the lead a furlong and a half down and the race was over once he powered into a solo lead approaching the final furlong.

After he came in by three and a half lengths at 13/2, Kennedy said: “Very important (to get cover on him). I planned to be a little bit more forward than I was, but he kind of missed the kick so I sat in behind and got a bit of cover.

“I got a gap on the rail lovely and just a dream run through. He kicked away and away he went.

“Big thanks to John, he has been very good to me over the winter and has given me loads of winners.”

Second win

McConnell also took division 1 of the Friday 12th July Ladies Day At Dundalk Handicap with 7/2 joint favourite Bungle Inthedesert.

This prominent racer was ridden to the front a quarter of a mile out by Siobhan Rutledge and kept on best to see off Daonethatgotaway by half a length for owners Mrs Eileen Heanen and Noel Heanen.

Rutledge said: “He was good and game. He was there to be shot at, he had plenty to do in the last furlong and, in fairness to him, he did. Thankfully, we stayed in front.

“I think he will [go on from that], he’s actually a nice type. Good sire [Bungle Inthejungle] and he seemed to enjoy the mile, so that will give us some more options.”

Lordon back with promising Agenda

WAYNE Lordan posted his first winner since recently returning from a lengthy injury absence when partnering Aidan O’Brien’s Agenda in the View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Maiden over an extended 10 furlongs.

The 11/10 favourite was a comfortable winner by four and three-quarter lengths after asserting clear in the final furlong for owners Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Peter Brant.

Stable representative Chris Armstrong said: “He has the makings of a lovely horse, he’s still very babyish and raw. I think there is plenty of improvement but, when he gets there, he could be a nice one.

“We’ll probably look at a trial for him next, he might be one for Chester.

“Wayne gave him a lovely ride and it is great to get Wayne back on a winner.”

Taking winner

Michael O’Callaghan’s Morning Vietnam was a very taking winner of The Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden for juveniles.

Eyes were drawn to the Bungle Inthejungle colt in the straight and he ran right away from his rivals in the final furlong to score by three and a-half lengths having been backed down to 13/8 favourite ahead of his debut.

O’Callaghan said: “This time of year we are all dreaming of (Royal) Ascot. He was very quick but, the way he saw that out there, Colin said he would be better in a better race.

“There’s very few places to go now, so we might go for that five-furlong listed race at the Curragh if the ground is alright. He wants nice ground, a good-moving horse.”

Keane sported the colours of the Morning Vietnam Partnership.

JOSEPH O’Brien’s four-year-old Gleneagle Bay was another newcomer to make his mark in the Book Online @ DundalkStadium.com Maiden.

The 5/4 favourite moved clear with State Actor at the business end of this mile race and found plenty for Dylan Browne McMonagle to beat that rival by half a length for Rectory Road Holdings Limited.

The jockey said: “He travelled well into the race and ran around a little bit up the straight, but it was very straightforward.

“I think if I had something to take me further, he would have been more impressive.”

Now-freelance Seamie Heffernan delivered Alphonse Le Grande to win the Happy Easter From Dundalk Stadium Handicap in good style.

The five-year-old gelding went on inside the final quarter of a mile and powered home by three and three-quarter lengths to justify 5/2 favouritism.

Trainer Tony Martin said of the Bet Small Win Big Syndicate horse: “Seamie still enjoys winning which is great - don’t we all? Things went right and it couldn’t have gone better.”

Notforalongtime really enjoys seven furlongs at Dundalk and he came in at 5/2 in the Dundalk Stadium Group Deals Available Apprentice Claiming Race.

He moved ominously well to close two furlongs out and was bang there a furlong from home. He won a closing-stages battle with Roderick by a head for owner/trainer Laura Hourigan.

Enjoys himself

Jockey Oisin McSweeney said: “That’s definitely his go - seven furlongs, he enjoys himself at that. He doesn’t do a whole pile when he hits the front, but he has a good, willing attitude.”

Friendly claims were successful on both the winner and the runner-up.

Nusra (14/1) ran freely in the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap over two miles, but it didn’t prevent her from finishing well to take the honours for Mrs Marie Gubbins.

Shane Foley’s mount progressed to challenge two furlongs out and swept home by a length and a quarter after grabbing the lead at the furlong pole.

Trainer Garrett Ahern said: “If you watch her the last day over a mile and four furlongs with Niall McCullagh, she was doing all the work at the end so we were always going to step up.”