ZOE McMullan really savoured her first racecourse victory on 50/1 outsider Kartayaz in Division 1 of the Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Handicap over the extended 10 furlongs.

She brought the eight-year-old gelding with his challenge between horses and the pair picked up the lead early in the final furlong. They kept on well to beat Boyne Valley by half a length for George Kingston and We Win Entertainment Limited.

McMullan said: “I’m buzzing! I was happy the whole way and when he came off the bridle, he just kept finding and finding for me.

“This is unbelievable, you can’t describe the feeling at all. You dream of that. Funny, I dreamed last night that he won! The only difference was that I made all, which I didn’t do today! I broke my leg this time last year and I was still going to the races.

“George was there and he needed a hand with a horse. I had the cage or the boot on at the time, and I gave him a hand. He said when I was back riding to give him a shout. I gave him a shout and it is thanks to him I took the flat licence out. I’m full-time with George.”

Wishes granted

Colin Keane was at the double that was initiated by 5/6 favourite Heaven’s Wish in the Dundalk Stadium Gift Vouchers Available Online Maiden. The prominent racer took over from Star Allure two furlongs out and quickened away to land the spoils by a length and a quarter.

Owner/trainer Diego Dias said: “It (drop back in trip to five furlongs) was no problem to her, she jumped well and travelled well.

“The trip did suit her. I think that is her last run.

“She is going to the breeding shed, we just sold the filly in the last few days. I think she might go to Arizona Blaze.” Billy Lee, on runner-up Woolridge, was handed a six-day ban for frequency with the whip.

Colin Keane also drove Kc Bear (13/2) home to snatch the six-furlong Irishinjuredjockeys.com Nursery Handicap by a nose. It looked improbable for most of the way as the Kodi Bear gelding was tardy away and detached.

However, Keane got him rolling inside the final quarter of a mile. From fifth at the furlong pole, they rattled in to catch This Guy right on the line.

Noel Meade said of the Harcourt Racing Syndicate representative: “I was down about 50 or 100 yards from the line and he was well beaten at that stage. When you put Colin up, that’s what can happen.”

McAuley successful with another claimer purchase

JOEY Sheridan steered Benavente (9/2) in for Denis Hogan and James McAuley in the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Claiming Race.

The seven-year-old gelding was produced inside the final furlong and picked up the lead in the closing stages. He proved half a length too strong for Theophilos.

Sheridan said: “He picked up well and I thought he was the one in that race. I would have been disappointed if he was beaten.”

Hogan ran four horses in the race and was rewarded with a 1-3 as Porsche Lad finished third. Theophilos was claimed by McAuley to be trained by Hogan.

Misson accomplished

There was another thrilling finish on the card when Spy (3/1 favourite) caught Aingeal Dorcha in Division 2 of the Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.

Billy Lee was on board and conjured the finish from him as he shaded that rival by a short-head for the With My Little Eye Syndicate.

Charles Byrnes said: “We have to give that one to Billy! He was brilliant and codded him along - he’s definitely a bit of a monkey. He’s had a long year and the lads might be more keen on a jumping campaign next summer, he might get a break.”

NATALIA Lupini’s Golden Trigger made all in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden to justify 11/4 favouritism. The Ghaiyyath colt kept up the gallop in the final furlong for Wayne Lordan and took the honours by a couple of lengths for the EKM Syndicate.

Assistant trainer Craig Bryson said: “Dropped back to seven (furlongs) this evening and the plan was to jump and let him go forward - not fight him, and use the experience. He’ll be offered for sale, if someone wants to come and buy him. If not, he’ll be on the team for next year.”

Mo Mhuirin was another 50/1 shot to oblige on debut in the DundalkStadium.com Fillies Maiden.

The judge was called into action again as Ben Coen galvanised her in the final 150 yards to chase down 5/6 favourite Guardian Of Real. Mo Mhuirin just got there by a nose for owner Dr Ronan Tynan.

Trainer Andy Slattery said: “Nice filly. She needs a bit of time, Ben said she is still very green. She hasn’t disappointed and she’s not finished yet.”

First winner

Jockey Iqbal Khan secured his first Irish winner aboard Lahore Da King in the Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Handicap.

The 12/1 chance tracked and was sent on entering the straight. The three-year-old gelding toughed it out well in the final furlong to pass the post with a length and a quarter to spare for trainer Tony Mullins.

Afterwards, Khan said: “I was a jockey in Pakistan and had around 17 winners there. I worked for Willie Mullins for three or four years, and I have been with Jim Bolger for 15 years. The owner, Mudassar Rafiq, is my son-in-law. He has three or four horses.”

The winning jockey was given a couple of two-day suspensions for breaches of the whip rules in relation to time to respond and arm above shoulder height.