Ballydoyle's Japan (1/2) pulled victory from the jaws of defeat on start number two, in the opening Exchange Inn Ballybunion & Kevin's Bar Listowel Irish EBF Maiden.

Donnacha O'Brien was asking for more from the son of Galileo from before the straight.

The two-year-old eventually got the message in the final furlong to mow down his faltering rivals, Aristocratic Man and Sacchoandvanzetti by three parts of a length and a neck.

"It's important that he got off the mark — the ground wasn't ideal and he didn't get the easiest trip but he ended up winning well with all those things against him," said Coolmore representative Gerry Aherne.

"I'd say he's okay.

"Kerry National day in Listowel is always a great day. The crowds always come here and there's always a great atmosphere — it's plenty of fun."

For his part the winning rider said: "He was raw and green, and it just took him a while to get the hang of it. He's not used to a sharp track like that but once I got him going in the straight he rattled home. He stays well.

"He wouldn't have seen ground anything like that but he has ability and once he got the hang of it he did it nicely. It's heavy ground." 

The Stewards informed Augustine Leahy, trainer that Drombeg Duke would have to be recertified before being declared to run from stalls again.

(AM & EM)