Wesley Joyce had to be at his strongest in delivering Sunriseontheboyne from off the pace to win the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap at Killarney.

Runner-up at Sligo on his most recent start, the Michael Mulvany trained gelding made the most of his previous handicap experience to beat some lesser exposed rivals.

Racing from 4lb out of the weights, the gelding had that burden eased with his very capable young pilot claiming 5lb off his back.

Tracking the pace in third, as The Marty Party led 6/5f Yamal the eventual winner looked in trouble early in the straight as Joyce was hard at work in behind.

Even at the furlong pole, he looked booked for minor honours as The Marty Party appeared to have seen off the attentions of Yamal.

However, Joyce found a very willing partner inside the final furlong as stamina kicked in and Sunriseontheboyne reeled in Yamal before heading The Marty Party close home for a half-length win.

Michael Mulvany, who was training his first winner in Killarney said: "He stayed on well in Galway and again the last day in Sligo and had two goes at handicapping so I'd say it made the difference. He was 4lb out of the handicap but we had to take our chances as he is probably crying out for that distance.

"Wesley gave him a great ride - the instructions were to sit in second or third and to get cover for him as we were riding him to come home. He'd have preferred better ground but this is Ireland, you have to make the best of the ground you have.

"We'll keep going in handicaps now."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.