Beacon Rock (right) sweeps through to beat Precious Gold, Stellar Mass (partially hidden) and Afzal (noseband)© Photo Healy Racing
The Aidan O'Brien trained Beacon Rock got up on the line in what was a thrilling finish to the opener at the Curragh, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
Sixth on his debut over the course and distance earlier this month the son of Galileo went off the well-backed favourite this afternoon.
Available at 11/4 last night he opened on-course at just 11/8 before going off the clear market leader at 5/4.
Settled behind the leaders he came under pressure and was ridden by Joseph O'Brien with three furlongs left to race.
It wasn't until well inside the final furlong that he really got going, sweeping from fourth to first in the last 50 yards, just getting up to win by a short head. Precious Gold (25/1), who attempted to make all, had to settle for second under Leigh Roche for Homer Scott while Stellar Mass (10/3) was another short head back in third under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger.
Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He ran a nice race and showed he's tough and hardy. Obviously he's still very babyish and did well to win after looking in trouble at halfway. Hopefully he will progress."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
The winner, who holds plenty of big races entries, is a full-brother to classy stable mate Wedding Vow.
