Shannon Soul overcame a tardy start in the Anglo Printers Handicap to complete a treble for Michael Halford at Dundalk on Friday night.

The 4/1 shot, in first-time blinkers, was slowly out of the gates and Conor Hoban had to work on him to make up the ground on the rest of the field.

He had all of his rivals still in front swinging for home, but he progressed through runners in smooth style and picked off Geological to score by two and a half lengths.

Halford said: "He's been threatening it for a while. He was almost on the ground and got wiped out of the race early on the last day. He's just been giving it away a bit out of the gates for a while.

"The blinkers sharpened him up, and the small field is a big help when you're slow away like that.

"He's been held up with a few issues but when they get their head in front it gives them a bit of encouragement. He wasn't winning out of turn.

"He likes that surface and we'll keep tipping away on it."

CLAIMING WIN

Stable companion Chestnut Fire was a warm order for the Esther McGahon, McGuinness & Co. Solicitors, Dundalk Claiming Race and got the job done comfortably in the end.

The 8/13 favourite looked in need of a run halfway down the straight, but Hoban switched him out and he picked up Elusive In Paris to score by a cosy half-length.

Halford said: "He had the form and was weighted to win it but it's still nice when they go and do it. Conor gave him a lovely confident ride.

"I felt he was in the grip of the handicap and that's why I put him in a claimer.

"There has been a lot of interest in him all day. I've had plenty of phone calls so it's unlikely we'll bring him home but I hope he's as lucky for the next man as he was for us." Chestnut Fire was snapped up for €20,000 by Ado McGuinness.

Pat Smullen kept it simple in the Elusive Pimpernel Fillies Maiden on 4/7 favourite Zinat, who was an encouraging second on her debut here, making his own running and kicking two furlongs out.

Secret Memories tried to challenge, while the newcomer Katouna who, like the winner, represents the Aga Khan, stuck to her task well, but Zinat wasn't for catching and crossed the line two and a quarter lengths to the good.

Halford said: "She is very straightforward, and the experience of the run helped her.

"It's nice to get a winning bracket and we'll probably see what the handicapper does with her. She is very genuine.

"She's not short of a bit of pace and she can jump out and travel. A mile is far enough for her at the moment."

LUCKY ESCAPE

Danny Sheehy suffered a broken tibia (shin bone) in a fall in the last race from Mosman.

The race was won by Serefeli (5/2 favourite) a double for Pat Smullen and a win for Peter Fahey.

Beat The Bank made a very impressive start to his career with victory in the Elusive Pimpernel Median Auction Maiden at Dundalk.

Pat Smullen, who was also on the mark on Zinat, was booked for Darren Bunyan's gelding and that didn't go unnoticed by punters, who backed him down to 4/1.

He travelled outside the front-running Power Of Ten until being unleashed in the straight and while inexperience was still evident, he showed smart acceleration to go two and three-quarter lengths clear of fellow debutant Vincy.

"Last year he showed us more than enough ability to win a maiden. I'd have been hugely disappointed if he didn't win tonight, and he looks a smart sort," said Bunyan.

"The lads (the Straight To Victory Syndicate) are a dream to train for, and have seven other horses with me. I bought five two-year-olds for them and normally I sell the two-year-olds for them, but this lad showed so much last year that I wanted to wait and win with him first. He started growing and we left him alone until this year.

"If he's not sold then I don't see why he couldn't run in the seven-furlong Fast-Track Qualifier in March.

"He's not an out-an-out all-weather horse either and, in our opinion, he was good enough to win a Curragh maiden.

"He came to hand so quick, this race was there for him and he was fit and well so we decided to go for it. I couldn't be more happier with him tonight. He was impressive."

There were plenty in with chances at the business end of the CBE Handicap, but the verdict went to 10/1 chance Arlecchino's Rock, who pipped Windsorlot and Bubbly Bellini in a thriller.

Trainer Johnny Levins and jockey Donagh O'Connor were also on the mark thanks to half-length scorer Brokopondo in the Monasterboice Inn Apprentice Handicap.

The 7/1 chance came with a wet sail in the final furlong to catch favourite New Direction close home.

READ THE FULL DUNDALK REPORT IN THE IRISH FIELD NEXT WEEKEND