Yulong Xiongyin got his career off to the best possible start by making virtually all to land the Winter Series At Dundalk 2017 Maiden.

The Footstepsinthesand juvenile travelled strongly in front under Shane Foley, and he only needed to push out the free-running colt inside the final furlong to record a comfortable victory.

The 4/1 chance had a length to spare at the line over 5/4 favourite Thomas O’Malley, with Mr Shelby putting in a pleasing run the same distance further back in third.

Winning trainer Michael Halford said, “We got him at the Royal Ascot breeze-up sales (Goffs London Sale).

“He’s very free at home. We have tried to hold him up but couldn’t so decided to let him bowl along in front tonight.

“He’s still very raw and has plenty of growing to do. We just wanted to get him out and get a run into him. There should be plenty more to come.”

(GC & AM)