Going Gaga in first-time blinkers, defied top-weight in the www. countysligoraces. com Nursery, but only just as the son of Mujadil saw off Ceist Nua by a short head.

Gary Carroll rode the 8/1 chance for the father and son team of Larry and Michael Mulvany and he got his mount to the front early in the straight from where he just proved strongest from Ceist Nua.

Carroll now goes back level with Ben Curtis at the head of the apprentice table and ironically it was on the latter's recommendation at Fairyhouse last time that Mulvany applied the blinkers to Going Gaga.

Kells, Co.Meath-based handler Michael commented: "The blinkers worked and Gary said he stuck his head out in the last furlong. That will probably be it for the year. He does like a little cut in the ground."

Winning breeder here, Mrs Eithne Hamilton was also responsible for Saturday's smart looking Gowran victor, Dubai Prince.