Grey horse In Ecstasy beats Alooqaal © Photo Healy Racing
Joseph O'Brien's In Ecstasy made the breakthrough on his second start in the mile maiden for juvenile colts and geldings in Dundalk.
The grey son of Caravaggio had been gelded since finishing 10th in a maiden at Gowran Park in September. Notably, he won a barrier trail at this venue in August.
In this assignment he soon raced in a close-up third and was ridden to challenge approaching the final furlong.
He got his head in front in the final 150 yards and held Alooqaal (3/1) by half a length. Atlantic Island was a further length away in third at 150/1.
The winner was well punted from 12/1 to 6/1.
“That was good. He was a little bit sluggish away from the gates but I had a wide draw and I had plenty of time to get him wound up,” said jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle.
“I got him into a nice prominent position, he's fairly lazy throughout his races but he found plenty for pressure when I got stuck into him in the straight.
“He stayed at it well and battled well when they came to him. He stuck his head down at the right time, stayed galloping and hit the line strong.
“He's been gelded since his first start which has definitely brought out plenty of improvement in him. I was delighted to get his head in front.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
