Weld and Smullen on the double

Windsor Park, winner of bumpers at Leopardstown and Galway, justified odds-on favouritism in last night’s finale, the Gowran Park Santa Train Maiden to complete a first and last double for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen.

Sent off a prohibitively-priced 2/7 favourite, Dr. Ronan Lambe’s five-year-old dictated the pace and pressed until early in the straight by Golden Ticket never looked in danger, staying on to beat Call Me Pj by two and quarter lengths.

The winning trainer commented: “I have no definite plan for him. We’ll see how he progresses,” before recognising Listowel’s Slan Abhaile Race as “a very suitable race” and possible target, with a hurdling career put on hold until Christmas, at least.