AIDAN O'Brien got an all-important win into Clear Skies in the DKIT Students Union Race Night Maiden over 10 and a half furlongs at Dundalk.

The four-year-old daughter of Sea The Stars is a half-sister to Derby hero Motivator, she cost 500,000gns from Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, and she proved a length too strong for Vienna Circle.

Runner-up in three of her previous races, including on her most recent outing at Dundalk and, as a two-year-old, when chasing home subsequent Group 1 star Alice Springs in a valuable sales race at Newmarket, she carries the famous JP McManus colours.

The even-money favourite was ridden to victory by Padraig Beggy.

Arbourfield registered his sixth Dundalk triumph in the DKIT Students Union Handicap, but it was a very close call.

The Prunella Dobbs-trained 8/1 chance was one of four to enter the dying strides still with a chance, but he had his head down where it mattered under Shane Foley, pipping Mr Ormsby by a nose.

Silk Cravat and Rose Anjou were hot on their heels in third and fourth respectively, and Dinky Inty and Bien Chase weren't far away either.

Dobbs said: "He and Carried are just amazing horses and love this place. That's his sixth win here, and he's ultra-consistent and always tries his best.

"He got a wonderful ride from Shane today. He's actually 7lb higher than when he won the last time, and we'll have to keep coming back here."

Indian Tomahawk, Koybig and Turn On The Tears were first, second and third here just under two weeks ago and again filled the places in the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap, albeit in a slightly different order.

Koybig (3-1 joint-favourite) finished strongly to gain his revenge on Indian Tomahawk by a length, with Turn On The Tears third again.

Trainer Pat Murphy said: "We just wanted to sweeten him up and get him back on the bridle and racing again. He ran well here last time and has improved from that run."

Teo's Music sprung a 33/1 shock in the Crowne Plaza Race & Stay Handicap.

Without a win in 12 previous attempts, Jim Bolger's filly was brought down the outside from a position at the rear by Kevin Manning to deny Nimitz by half a length.

KEANE DOUBLE

Colin Keane struck on his first ride since being crowned champion jockey when Palariva came good in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.

Keane got Ger Lyons' 3/1 chance across from her outside draw to sit outside the front-running Teardrop Island, and kicked for home at the top of the straight.

Well-backed favourite Hello Brigette was just behind her but didn't pick up as well and it was left to 100/1 shot Greengage to give chase, although Palariva had flown and passed the post with a length in hand.

Shane Lyons, assistant to his brother, said: "She's a very honest filly who wants every yard of a mile but still has plenty enough toe to make good of a bad draw there.

"She goes on this surface no problem but Colin thinks that when the gallop is riding heavy, she gives him the feel that she will go on slow ground as well. I don't think there is a winners' race over a mile coming up soon enough so that could be it until the spring."

Keane and Lyons followed up in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden courtesy of Beckoning.

The word was out about the daughter of Kodiac prior to this introduction because she was backed down to even-money favouritism, although she only just justified it, denying Trophy Doll by a nose.

Shane Lyons said: "She came from the breeze-ups. We've had her a few months and have always liked her.

"Colin was half-regretting that he took her back and let them crowd around her but she is after learning an awful lot there and winning as well. There was no point coming wide and learning nothing.

"She showed that she has a bit of speed at home and also has stamina with it. She will get a mile no problem. That could be it for the winter."

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