The well-bred debutant Nicest put in a professional performance to take the opener at Leopardstown this afternoon, the Decorated Knight Irish EBF Fillies Maiden.

Out of the quirky but very talented 2013 Irish Oaks winner Chicquita, the Donnacha O'Brien trained bay was sent off a 6/1 chance, having been available at 12s in early shows.

Settled in mid-division by Gavin Ryan, the daughter of American Pharoah was fifth entering the straight, but soon made good headway between rivals.

She came with her challenge inside the final furlong and edged to the front 100 yards from home, keeping on well from there to prevail by a head. Talacre (9/4), who is a half-sister to Siskin, lost little in defeat under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons, while Willow (5/4f), who was hampered by the winner inside the final furlong, was another three and three parts of a length back in third.

Ryan said afterwards: "We liked her at home and whatever she did today we felt that she'd come on for it. She's a big scopey filly and has a nice turn of foot.

"When I got a slap into her she quickened up well."

The winner holds entries in the Debutante Stakes and the Moyglare Stud Stakes later in the season.

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into an incident in the closing stages of this race involving Nicest, ridden by G.M. Ryan, Talacre, ridden by C.T. Keane and Willow, ridden by W.M. Lordan, where it appeared that Willow got tight for room on the rails and checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that G.M. Ryan was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record in this regard suspended him for 3 racedays.

W.M. Lordan, rider of Willow trained by A.P.O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount had to snatch up in the closing stages but this did not affect his placing.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee