The 5/6 favourite Agrimony and second in the market Emporio (4/1) were to the fore throughout the Paulstown Maiden and had the finish to themselves down the straight.

The latter led narrowly two furlongs out but couldn’t get away from Agrimony, and Gary Carroll’s mount was back in front at the furlong marker.

He kept on to score by three quarters of a length with the front two well clear of the remainder.

Runner-up in his two outings before this victory, the Tom Egan-owned winner cost E80,000 as a yearling and winning trainer Joe Murphy is aiming high with him.

“It was a very good performance. We had a race in Navan in mind for him in ten days time but this popped up on the ground, it was probably a bit short for him,” said Murphy.

“Gary said he took a little blow at the furlong pole but he said his class got him through.

“The plan would be the Gallinule and then maybe the Derby, we think he is that calibre.

“He's a dream horse to have and makes life worth living for.”

Quotes from Gary Carson