Sinkal takes finale in style

Sinkal quickened up in fine style, inside the final furlong, to make a winning debut for Dermot Weld in the concluding ten furlong maiden at the Curragh.

Marakoush in the first colours of the Aga Khan, hit the front before the bend but was soon tackled by 11/10 favourite Adjusted

The pair battled it out up the straight but were both trumped by the other Aga Khan runner, Sinkal, who stayed on to take closer order over a furlong from home.

The son of Smart Strike (sent off 2/1) hit the front just inside the final furlong, under Pat Smullen, and was soon in command, going away at the end for a three-and-a-half length success over Marakoush.

“He's a useful horse who has been hard at times to keep sound. Naturally after winning a maiden here we'll be looking at better races,” said the trainer's son Kris afterwards.

“His main dangers all had plenty of experience and it took a little time for the penny to drop with him.

“The ground is gluey which wouldn't be ideal although I'd say he'd always like a little ease.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)