Blinkers sharpen up City Poser

Niall McCullagh took the riding honours at Dundalk yesterday afternoon when partnering an 81 to 1 plus double with City Poser and Wild Heaven.

The Carlow rider, who was also on the mark three times at the Listowel Festival last week, sent City Poser to the front before the home turn in the Ballybay Handicap to beat Resume by three and a half lengths. Winning trainer John Muldoon said: "The addition of blinkers for the first time helped to sharpen him up."

McCullagh registered winner number 25 for the season when swooping late on the Charles O'Brien-trained Wild Heaven in the Omeath EBF Maiden. The Darshaan filly was only fourth with 100 yards to go but literally sprouted wings near the line to beat long-time leader Fardus by half a length.

Ruby Walsh moved seven ahead of Paul Carberry in the jump riders table after Little-K provided him with his 25th win of the season in the Finches Handicap Chase.

The Paul Lenihan-trained gelding put up a sound round of jumping, leading four out to beat Pokono Trail by a comfortable twelve lengths.

David Bean is out of action for at least three weeks after being concussed when Cheeky Harry fell in the opening Carrickarnon Maiden Hurdle. His helmet took the full impact of a kick from a following horse. Bean was detained in hospital last night for observation, although x-rays revealed no broken bones.

. Silver Charm has returned to his Churchill Downs base in the wake of his confidence-boosting victory in the Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway Park last Saturday.

The Dubai World Cup winner, coming off two defeats, deadheated for first with Wild Rush in a performance that pleased trainer Bob Baffert.

He said: "It was a very good dead-heat. People don't realize how tough it is to come back on like he did at Turfway Park." Plans for Silver Charm have yet to be finalised.