The Michael O'Callaghan trained Moral High Ground justified strong market support and 8/11 favouritism to win the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden at Navan today, under Emmet McNamara.

The son of Elnadhim had been well backed from 7/4 this morning and in the end quickened well in the closing stages for a three parts of a length win over Aspar

Afterwards O'Callaghan stated "we fancied him first time out and thought it would take a group horse to beat him.

"That's his minimum trip and Emmet said he gave a good blow half a furlong out and he should improve again.

"He's a very nice horse and has the size and scope and will go for the Champions Sales at Leopardstown next Saturday.

"My father bred him and also has a half-sister by Henrythenavigator going to the sales."

McNamara added "he did it nicely in fairness to him. Michael said beforehand that if I got in behind horses he would switch off completely and that was the case.

"He needed a couple of strides to get rolling but when he did hit his stride he hit the line well and won nicely.

"He stayed the six furlongs well and will hopefully progress again."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson