Protestant gave the impression that he wasn't exerting himself to the absolute max in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Median Auction (C & G) Maiden at Roscommon but Fran Berry extracted everything possible from the favourite to prevail by a short head.

In a tremendous duel from two furlongs out, in the first race of the year at the Lenabane venue, it swung this way and that between Protestant and Andy Oliver's Jeremy newcomer (sire of Our Conor now standing at Garryrichard Stud in County Wexford) The Plan Man

At the line, Berry, riding for Mrs Patrick Cooper, just edged The Plan Man with a length and three parts back to Orgiligo Bay in third.

Berry said of the Jessica Harrington-trained victor: "Job done! I wasn't sure but thankfully we got the nod. He had the heart and determination to battle back but he's a big green baby.

"Like a lot of the Papal Bulls (successful sire) they carry their head high but that's just their way and he's very genuine.

"When the penny drops he should keep improving." (TW & EM)