After four outings as a juvenile, Leafcutter returned to the fray at three with a convincing success under Pat Smullen in the Gowran Park Racing Club Membership From #100 (C & G) Maiden.

The Sharmardal gelding gave a flick of his tail one day last year when runner-up at Galway and today he seemed to have 'a look' at the line to give Smullen a late fright.

Smullen had given the 7/1 shot (from 10s) a beautiful ride, producing him on the rail to lead over a furlong out, travelling much the best, before asking for more on the way to success over promising debutant, Feach Ar Agaidh

Winning trainer Dermot Weld said of the Sheikh Mohammed-owned victor: "He is a horse with a nice bit of ability. He quickened up nicely and he won well.

"He loves the fast ground and he will go to the Newmarket July Sales. He is a good looking solid top of the ground horse."

Meanwhile on his Ascot Gold Cup non-runner Pale Mimosa, Weld reported: "She'll go for the Curragh Cup next Sunday. She is all set and is great form." (DM & EM)