Sonnyboyliston and Ben Coen (right) beat Thundering Nights© Photo Healy Racing
Sonnyboyliston lunged late to grab the spoils in the Sentinel Ireland Equine Products Handicap at the Curragh.
The Johnny Murtagh-trained gelding was sent to post the 13/8 favourite for the ten furlong contest having finished third to subsequent Listed winner Delphi at Navan last time.
Ben Coen was at work on his mount early in the straight but he found his stride inside the final furlong.
The son of Power came to tackle Thundering Nights in the closing stages and was just on top at the line to record a short-head victory.
The stewards had a look after the front two came across third placed Lord Park close home but there was no change.
“He's progressing well. I thought he was a little bit unlucky at Navan the last time,” said Murtagh.
“Ben said he made his own bit of bad luck today as he wasn't travelling through the race. When he got him to the outside he stayed on well and got the trip well.
“I think it's a good trip for him at the minute but he might be a horse that gets a mile-and-a-half in time.
“He's a very sensible horse but he does light up when he gets to the races.
“He's only had five runs and is still learning. It onwards and upwards but it's going to get tougher for him as he goes along.”
