Coeur Sublime is ridden out by Ronan Whelan© Photo Healy Racing
Newcomer Coeur Sublime just held off the late surge of fellow debutant Southern France in the Kilberry Maiden.
The Peter Fahey trained victor was widely available at 33/1 this morning, and didn't go unbacked, opening on-course at 20s before going off a 16/1 chance in the colours of owner Tim O'Driscoll.
Settled in mid-division by Ronan Whelan, the son of Elusive Pimpernel was pushed along from early in the straight, closing on the leaders from the three furlong pole.
He was in front two furlongs out, and kept on well under pressure from there, holding off the fast-finishing Southern France by a head.
The runner-up, who was tenth two furlongs out, really powered home when switched to the outer, but he ultimately had to settle for the runner-up spot under Ryan Moore for Aidan O'Brien.
The front two were three and three parts of a length in front of Elysian Plains (16/1) who finished third with Colin Keane aboard for Ger Lyons.
The gambled-on Understate was available at 16s last night, but that price was quickly snapped up, and he opened on-course at just 7/2 before going off the favourite at 11/4.
The Paddy Twomey trained colt came with his challenge from three furlongs out, but he faded in the closing stages and eventually finished fifth.
"He's a nice horse. He does everything right," said Fahey.
"We did a few bits with him at the backend of last year and then gave him time off. We decided to come here when we saw this maiden.
"If he's not sold he could be a lovely horse for a juvenile hurdle. That's his first racecourse gallop and he'll come on a fair bit.
"Tim (O'Driscoll) and Roger (Loughran) are good friends and I think Roger might own a little bit of him."
O'Driscoll thanked Pat Smullen afterwards, revealing that he had previously rode work on the gelding.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
