Lieutenant General successfully dropped back from the Group 3 company he'd been keeping last time, to justify odds of 4/5 in the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Maiden at Leopardstown.

Joseph O'Brien rode the O'Brien's home-bred, and fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time he was never far away before leading from two furlongs out, on the way to an easy two and three parts of a length victory over the nicely-backed second favourite Star Of Kings

"He's a lovely horse. He had a very good run the first day and then ran a bit free with me in Naas when he got beaten," said the successful pilot.

"He had a good run the last day again in a Group race. He was entitled to win and did - he won easily.

"I would be disappointed if he didn't pick up a group race on the way, and he could be more. I think he will progress.

"He has the pace for six and I think he will get a mile. He quickened up really well there.

"I probably should have waited a bit longer but when I gave him a squeeze the race was all over." (GC & EM)