Star Official could be seen travelling well just in behind the pace in the second split of the Kenmare Handicap at Killarney and, once switched out to challenge, he decisively took the spoils.

Seamie Heffernan moved him to the inner racing towards the final furlong and his mount soon swept through to lead.

The 5/1 chance was ridden clear inside the final furlong and passed the post two and a quarter lengths up on Sil Ver Klass (7/2f) who put in good late work in a clear second. Universal Focus was over four lengths back in third at 12/1.

Trainer Dick Donohoe said: "That was brilliant and I'm delighted for the joint-owner with me, Donal Doyle, who has been with me a while. He is a great man and is well able to manage expectations and loves the racing game.

"He had been disappointing up until now, but is a good, strong horse who went on that sticky ground, stayed the trip and might jump a hurdle now."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes