Earls recorded the biggest win of his career to date, as he landed the feature at Cork, the Mallow (Premier) Handicap.

Having won four in-a-row last season, the likeable Gavin Cromwell-trained six-year-old failed to make an impact on three most recent starts.

Sent off a 28/1 chance this evening, the Dream Ahead gelding was towards rear in the early stages under Dylan Browne McMonagle for owner Martin Sheridan.

Making gradual progress, he was ridden on the far side with a furlong left to race and kept on strongly from there to lead inside the final 50 yards, with half-a-length the margin of victory.

Sent off the 7/2 favourite, What Lies Ahead was the one just denied, with Billy Lee aboard this Willie McCreery trained filly.

Having filled the runner-up spot 12-months ago, the admirable Blairmayne (16/1) was another length-and-a-quarter back in third, while Final Voyage (20/1) was fourth.

"He has improved plenty from a couple of runs at the start of the season and was spot on today," the winning rider commented.

"It played out lovely, he gets the seven (furlongs) well and loves the ground.

"I thought we went very hard early and there was plenty of pace so it was always going to play into our hands.

"I was on the wrong side and wanted to get across because all the fancied runners were over there. He had a look around looking for company when he hit the front but he gets through the ground really well and is a fun horse for the owners.

"I'm thankful for getting the leg up and delighted to get one for Gavin."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes