Rathealy making his first start for trainer Kevin Prendergast, struck in the three-year-old handicap over seven furlongs at Gowran today.

The Baltic King gelding has been placed twice in England last year and got his head in front first time of asking in this country.

Chris Hayes sent his mount into the lead two furlongs from home and he stuck on dourly to repel the late run of Prussian Eagle by half a length.

The winner had attracted support this morning from as big as 7/1 into as short as 3/1. He was returned a solid 9/2 favourite on track.

“He's rated 66 but 66 in England is a bit different to here,” said Prendergast.

“The horse that beat him last time won two or three since. I was hoping he would win today.”

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)