The defection of The Vatican opened up the ladbrokes.com European Breeders Fund Maiden at Galway and the first two in the market dominated the finish.

Favourite, Impound (7/4 into 11/8) was in big trouble from a long way out here for Pat Smullen and Dermot Weld.

However Smullen didn't give up on the Prince Khalid Abdullah-owned son of Oasis Dream.

The line was always likely to just come in time for Sugar Boy and Chris Hayes (3rd winner of the week after Golden Shoe and Inis Meain) up the straight and he eventually clung on by half a length.

Patrick Prendergast (had his 1st winner here as a trainer with Be Patient in 2002) trains Sugar Boy for his owner/breeder Rick Barnes and the Curragh handler said: "I think we didn't make enough use of him in Gowran and he got done for a bit of toe (2nd there to King George River).

"His primary aim this year was to win his maiden. He's a horse for next season basically over a mile and a half plus. He is a two mile Cup horse.

"He knew his job and Ken Condon's horse (Ballyorban) made it a staying race - my fellow stays well and he is dogged."

Sugar Boy is by Authorized and he of course was responsible too for Wednesday's impressive winner here, Fatcatinthehat. (DM & EM)