Proud And Regal ran out a game winner of the opening Barronstown Stud Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden at the Curragh.

Despite being sent off at 16/1, the Donnacha O'Brien trained son of Galileo was full value for this hard fought success. Held up early on by Killian Leonard, the colt moved easily just behind the leaders after a couple of furlongs and made his challenge from over a furlong out.

Although both Tiverton second) and Sea Legend third) appeared to be going better at that point, the Coolmore owned winner found plenty for pressure and battled on strongly to win going away.

It was a nice success for young jockey Killian Leonard, who was gaining his first success of the campaign. Based with Donnacha O'Brien, he had spent some time in Britain before returning to Ireland last year.

Winning trainer Donnacha O'Brien said; “I thought he was a nice horse but he was kind of sleeping at home. He's quite green and I said I'd give him a run and he'd improve a lot for it.

“We knew he had ability and it's nice to see him going and doing that.

“He's not a horse I've absolutely drilled at home, he's a Galileo and you like to take them along slowly. In fairness to him he did well today.

“We'll take him back and have a look at the program but I'd imagine he'll go to stakes company next.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson