Gulf Of Mexico opened his account at the third attempt when prominent throughout in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Killarney.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained son of Galileo, who cost 1.1m guineas as a yearling, was placed on his previous two outings also over a mile and got on top here inside the final furlong.

Emmet McNamara ’s mount, who belied market weakness after drifting out from odds-on to 5/2, kept on well to score by a length and a half with 9/4 joint favourites Sea Legend and Deakin filling the places.

McNamara said, "Maybe he didn't come forward as much from his first to his second run as a lot of Aidan's do and may have taken another run. He is the type of horse who will improve as a three year old stepping out in trip.

"He obviously comes from a good pedigree, cost plenty as a yearling so it was nice he was able to do that. His first two maidens have worked out well so hopefully he can step up in grade.

"The ground is plenty soft enough for him."

The winner was trimmed from 50/1 into 25/1 for the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster by Paddy Power.

Quotes by Tom Weekes