It proved straight-forward for favourite Mohawk in the Group 3 Meld Stakes at Leopardstown this evening as he ran out a convincing two-length winner of the feature event.

Donnacha O'Brien produced the 9/4 shot to claim front-runner Ancient Spirit over a furlong from home and the Ballydoyle colt soon settled matters. Up Helly Aa stayed on to give chase in the closing stages without threatening the winner, who posted a two-length winning margin.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Mohawk was taking a drop in grade having contest Group Ones on his last two outings. He became the first three-year-old in six years to win the race.

“It was nice and smooth, they went a nice gallop, I got a nice slot the whole way and when I asked him to quicken up he did,” said Donnacha O'Brien.

“He probably got a little bit idle in front but he's a nice solid horse.

“They went a nice gallop and I think the leader was just starting to crack and my lad had form over further. He stuck at it well up the hill.”