"I thought he was beat going past the line first time but when I had a look on the big screen I was fairly confident," said Johnny Murtagh after his once-raced Grand Coalition took the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden at the Curragh.

Connor King did the steering on the course third placer from early May and the 7/2 chance made all and held off Intelligence Cross by a head.

"It's a great win for him. He had a good run first time and Pat Smullen said he wanted six furlongs on fast ground. The run under his belt was a real help," added Murtagh.

"We'll bring him and have a go at the Coventry now.

"He was quick out of the gates and has been a quick learner from day one. He's very professional which is typical of the sire (Kodiac) and showed battling qualities today.

"Conor said he'll improve a lot from the run again. I'm delighted for the owner (Anthony Paul Smurfit, Dr Michael Smurfit & Samuel M Mencoff) and his son."

(GC & EM)