Homme D'un Soir proved too strong for hotpot Pont Du Gard in the opener at Down Royal this afternoon.

Joseph O'Brien 's charge was sent to post a 1/2 shot in the two-mile contest but couldn't peg back Homme D'un Soir in the closing stages.

The 'Sneezy' Foster-trained gelding travelled well to hit the front going to the second last, under Denis O'Regan.

He was always holding the favourite at bay on the run-in as he was pushed out to record a cosy three-and-a-quarter length win at odds of 9/4.

Homme D'un Soir, a bumper winner on debut, had been placed twice over hurdles and was running in a first time tongue-tie.

Stable representative Ian Amond said: "He did it well and he has plenty of experience at this stage as well.

"The tongue-tie on obviously helped as well too. He's got his head in front now and hopefully he will get a bit of confidence from it."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)