Tribal Star found plenty in the closing stages to open his account in the mile-and-a-half maiden at Dundalk, giving trainer Ado McGuinness a double on the card.

The Sea The Stars gelding was another to carry the colours of Dooley Thoroughbreds after the earlier victory of Apache Outlaw

Adam Cafrrey was to the fore throughout on the 5/2 shot and led over three furlongs from home. Inthesmallhours came to join him passing the furlong pole but Tribal Star dug deep late on to secure a half-length win.

The winner had been third on his first visit to the track 12 days ago.

McGuinness said: "He was a very expensive yearling from Godolphin, we bought him in July at the Horses In Training Sale.

"He's a big, raw horse - he's a huge horse, (by) Sea The Stars, takes a little bit of time.

"I think he will be a lovely horse to look forward to next year in staying handicaps. I think he could be a real staying horse for next year - he's just a big, raw baby and he is only going to get stronger.

"We just didn't make enough use of him here the last night. The plan today was always to make sure it was a test.

"In all fairness, Andy Oliver's horse came at him but he wasn't for stopping, he went on again.

"There's a big possibility he will go over hurdles at Christmas, maybe Leopardstown. We haven't done a whole pile (of schooling) with him as yet, but he'll be learning fairly quick!"

(Quotes by Michael Graham)