The Joseph O'Brien-trained Spartan Army stayed on stoutly in the closing stages to justify favouritism in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden at Down Royal.

Shane Crosse was keen to make us of the inside draw on the 6/4 favourite and asked his mount to dispute in the early stages with Stander

Having gained a narrow lead at the top of the hill Spartan Army was soon joined by A Shin Undine

He shook off the attentions of that rival over a furlong from home and kept on strongly in the closing stages to record a comprehensive three-and-a-half length win over Regally Blonde

The winner was stepping forward having been third on his return at Sligo last month.

Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: "He scares you halfway through the race! He's a big horse and he (Shane) said this track probably wasn't ideal for him and that everything was happening a bit quick for him early on.

"He does want to go a mile and a half but it was a nice race. He is progressing all the time. He said the best feeling he gave him was in the last furlong and a half.

"The company helped him because he's a very laid-back, relaxed type of horse. When you see him up to a mile and a half plus, he will even be better. He's going the right way and he will progress."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)