Golden Circet veered markedly left at the business end of the Slievenamon Maiden in Clonmel, but it didn't stop him winning a battle with Stariam

Shane Foley bounced Stariam away smartly in a bid to make all over the extended 1m1f trip. He went off at 2/5 favourite to snap a run of four runner-up spots in a row.

The leader was nicely clear throughout, but it became hard work straightening for home. Golden Circet closed right up inside the two pole and soon strongly challenged Stariam.

The leader availed of the far rail while Golden Circet veered towards the stands' side racing to the final furlong.

This soon became more pronounced inside the final furlong, but Billy Lee didn't panic and rode his mount home by a length and three-parts at 11/4 with the front two almost track-width apart.

Willie McCreery said: "Billy said he was coming across towards the stableyard, but was still going forwards. He is a grand little horse, is the most genuine quiet little fella you ever met for a colt and ideally he'd be for someone as a country stallion, as he is very correct.

"I'd love to castrate him, though, but he'd have to be knocked out to do that so you'd lose six weeks and, at this time of the year, there's no point.

"I don't know where we'll go now, I don't think the handicapper can really do too much as it wasn't a top-grade maiden.

"He might go into the October Sales."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes