Long Live The King who holds an entry for the Irish St Leger, relished the one mile six trip in the Dublin Horse Show handicap at Leopardstown to win at odds of 6/1.

The three-year-old Galileo colt from the Aidan O’Brien yard outstayed his rivals under Seamie Heffernan to score by two lengths from King Of Aran (11/2) who couldn’t get on terms with the winner in the last furlong.

Seamie Heffernan expressed his surprise at the result. He said: “I didn’t think he would go on the ground. Racing is a funny game!

“He’s very genuine. The blinkers helped to sharpen him up. He’s a real stayer.” Star Power was a further two lengths back in third at 12/1. Kastania from the John Oxx stable was sent off the 3/1 favourite, but after cutting out the pace faded to finish sixth.

Recent Killarney winner Takeyourcapoff second favourite at 9/2, came home last of the eight runners.

Michael Graham