The Paddy Twomey-trained King Cuan owned by the Red Lily Racing Syndicate, returned to a rapturous reception after winning the Irish EBF Auction Series Race Final. 

The 4/5 favourite won the lucrative Goffs Sportsman's Challenge at this venue last month and landed another big pot here. Waited with in mid-division by Bill Lee, the Tasleet colt made smooth headway to head 100/1 chance Duplantis a furlong out and was ridden out to hold that rallying rival by a head. 

With Twomey away at the sales in France, Lee remarked: “The fun he’s after giving that syndicate has been brilliant. That roar you wouldn’t usually get on the Flat and it’s a nice welcome back (into the winners’ enclosure). 

“The race didn’t go as smooth as I wanted — I thought they would go a bit more of a gallop and I was trapped wide. I just tried to keep it as simple as possible.

 “I knew I was probably on the best horse in the race, he’s cruised there and picked up to win well. He was just getting a bit lonely in front and on that ground you are never going to be ultra impressive.

 “He gets seven well which opens up options for next year. He’s a game little horse.” 

Quotes from Alan Magee