Supported from 13/8 into 5/4 Eire Rock got favourite backers off to a bright start on day two at Listowel as he took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at his ease under Chris Hayes.

The Stack family have a special affinity with this venue as Tommy is from six miles away in Moyvane, and he first attended as a youngster over sixty years ago.

Son Fozzy now has the reins at Thomastown Castle, and he was doubtless pleased to see the Michael O'Flynn-owned Eire Rock soon lead, and he was ridden to assert over a furlong out. He kept on strongly from there to defeat King Of Leinster by six lengths.

"He is a lovely straightforward horse and we always liked him. He probably needed the run on his first start but he has built on it and I think he's a horse with a future," said Hayes.

"I just kept it nice and simple and he quickened up good. His homework has been good. He's a lovely big strong horse which you need in the conditions that are out there.

"It's hard work out there on two-year-olds."

(TW & EM)