Astrophysicist bounced out and made all in the second split of the extended mile and one handicap for three-year-olds in Gowran Park.

Shane Foley hugged the far rail climbing for home and his mount responded generously to come in unchallenged by five lengths.

He was available at 16/1 in the morning before returning at 17/2. Estoppel kept on for second at 15/2 and was two and a half lengths clear of Graduate Of Honour (18/1) who came down the stands' side. Dunum the 3/1 favourite, was a head away in fourth.

This was first winner in the training ranks for Gearoid Brouder who said: "I started off too big with 15 horses so I cut back to just him and two others.

"We were waiting on the heavy ground, that's his ground. He is after having a nice few runs now so we will give him a break after this and head on for next year.

"I'm actually off to New York on Sunday for five weeks and when I come back, we will start going again. I'm going over to a friend of mine, JP McAllen. I'll be riding on the Flat over there for a change of scenery.

"I have one more horse left to run and then they will all be on a break until next year. I'm training out of Tommy Carmody's old yard on the Curragh."

At the request of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Handicapper, the Stewards requested a report from Gearoid Patrick Brouder, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Astrophysicist (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent flat form. Mr. Brouder reported that his charge relishes the testing ground conditions and attributed this to the horses apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the contents of the report.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy