Feature event at Leopardstown tonight saw Co Meath trainer Ger Lyons record his first Group 3 success in the Ballycorus Stakes.
Lyons' An Tadh was sent off a 6/1 shot in the four runner race behind English raider Misu Bond (8/11), fifth in the English 2,000 Guineas.
Ridden by Johnny Murtagh, An Tadh was quickly away and made all, staying on well in the straight to hold off the staying on Lord Admiral by a length and a half.
Afterwards a delighted Lyons reported 'that's my first Group 3 winner and it is a great success for the team in the yard.'
He added 'An Tadh is a very straightforward and tough little horse and is improving all the time. The only time he let us down was a trainer error because I ran him on the wrong ground.'
'I'll have a look at the programme before deciding on future plans. Johnny (Murtagh) said he'd be an ideal horse for Dubai later in the year.'
Trainer Kevin Prendergast and stable jockey Declan McDonogh's excellent start to the season continues and Miss Beatrix landed the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden, for the combination.
Placed in her opening two starts, the daughter of Danehill Dancer was settled in third before moving through to lead two furlongs out, staying on well for an easy three and a half length win over Evening Rushour.
Jockey Pat Smullen partnered his 25th winner of the season (three behind Johnny Murtagh at the head of the Jockeys' Championship) when guiding Joe Crowley's Drumin Orpen to a comfortable win in the Rochestown Handicap.
Previously a winner at Tipperary eight days ago, the 3yo daughter of Orpen made most of the running, eventually staying on well to account for runner-up Raise Again by two lengths.
Bush Maiden was another easy, of the Kingston Handicap, under Mick Kinane, while Aidan O'Brien's Magicalmysterytour made it third time lucky, following two runner-up efforts, in the Clonard Maiden, under Kieren Fallon.
