The Dermot Weld-trained Grecian Tiger had to battle hard to justify his short price in the concluding 1m6f maiden at Gowran Park this evening.

Pat Smullen cut out the running on the 4/5 favourite but he came under strong pressure two furlongs from home.

Ginger Genie travelled well to hit the front while Egyptian Warrior also worked his way into contention.

Grecian Tiger battled back to gain a narrow lead at the furlong pole and stuck on gamely in the closing stages to score by half a length from Egyptian Warrior.

The winner was making his Flat debut having been narrowly denied in a hot looking bumper at Galway on his last outing.

“I thought he'd win and he did. He had the form to do it and he battled hard,” said Weld.

“He had to come a second time to win. I wanted to win this race and then take it from there. It was a good tough battling performance and he got a good ride from Pat.”

(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)