Johnny Murtagh felt the step back up to six made the difference for Lord Rapscallion as he made his first start in a nursery a winning one at the Curragh this afternoon.

The Alhebayeb colt had been placed in two maidens, most recently when third over five furlongs at Tipperary 15 days ago.

Denis Linehan held the 7/1 shot up behind the leaders in the Luke And Nellie Comer Memorial Nursery Handicap before producing him to challenge on the outer passing the furlong pole.

He soon hit the front and kept on well in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-half victory. Dandy Belle just edged out Tosen Shauna by a short-head, for the runner-up spot.

“He was tapped for a bit of toe in a maiden over five last time. The step up to six definitely helped him,” said Murtagh.

“Denis said he travelled very well in the race. Last time sharpened him up mentally, he was a bit of a baby early on.

“He's a solid little horse and seems to have plenty of speed. We'll probably keep him at six and hopefully he might get a furlong further in the future.

“He's probably a big baby and only starting to improve now and the penny is dropping.

“We'll keep him pretty busy as he seems to be a tough hardy fella.”