Festive Cheer and Joseph O'Brien © Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O'Brien recorded a quick double at Dundalk when Festive Cheer ran out an impressive winner of the seven-furlong maiden for two-year-olds.
The Montjeu colt tracked the leaders before angling out a furlong-and-a-half from home.
O'Brien asked his mount to quicken inside the final furlong and he was going away in the closing stages to record a cosy two-length success.
The winner came in for substantial support on course, backed from 2/1 into even-money favourite. He had been well held when fifth at the Curragh on his debut.
"I fancied him first time but he was too green to do himself justice," said the winning rider.
"He travelled like a dream today and I just gave him two flicks to make him go about his job. He's a horse I like.
"Something galloped into the back of him and he got a right cut so hopefully he's okay. He has a bit of pace."
Stan James have trimmed Joseph O'Brien from 2/5 to 1/4 in the Flat jockey's championship, with Pat Smullen 5/2 (from 7/4) and Wayne Lordan a 10/1 chance.
