Khafaaq (6/1) came out best after a battle in division one of the mile handicap at Gowran Park.

Andrew Slattery, on board for his father Andrew, drove him home by a neck from 4/1 favourite Scorpion Black with Kudbegood the same distance away in third at 16/1.

Trainer Andrew Slattery said: “The ground is probably as quick as he'd want it, he wants soft ground so it's grand to win a race.

“A couple of lads in Kevin Prendergast's told me he was going to the sales so we bought him for £5,000. They said he was a nice horse but he had his problems.

“The reason we ran him so quick was because I thought we'd get a bit more for finishing second the last day in Limerick. We only got 2lb so we took our chance.

“He does want soft ground so we'll wait. He's a replacement for Dinkum Diamond, who is retired now.

“He cost €240,000 at the Orby as a yearling. The lads liked him in Prendergast's and Chris Hayes was complimentary. They said he's a nice horse but wants soft ground.

“We've a race won now for the lads so we can wait a while and see how we go. If we have a wet summer we could have good fun.”

The Stewards interviewed G.M. Ryan, rider of Rince Deireanach concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg.10.3.(g)(frequency) and having taken his record into account suspended him for one race day.

The Stewards interviewed C.D. Hayes, rider of Scorpion Black, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg.10.3.(g)(frequency) and having taken his record into account suspended him for two race days.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson