The Dermot Weld-trained Zuenoon lunged late to land the spoils in the opening median auction race at Killarney this afternoon. Cardini bounced out in front in the mile contest and looked to have his rivals on the stretch early in the straight.

Zuenoon stuck on gamely inside the final furlong, however, to press his rival and despite being carried right by the front-runner in the closing stages got on top near the line.

Declan McDonogh, carrying the Aga Khan colours, prevailed by a head on the 7/2 shot with the same margin back to 7/4 favourite Dumouriez, who also finished off well.

The winner, a son of Havana Gold, was following up on his maiden success at Galway earlier this month.

McDonogh said afterwards:- “He was good and the pace was solid all the way. For a second I thought I wasn't going to get to Seamie (Heffernan on Cardini) but he got a second wind and got a breather half way up the straight.

"He gave plenty and is still a big raw baby and is learning all the time. Galway taught him a lot and he needed every bit of a mile today.

"I don't think ground is an issue to him and he is quite a good moving horse."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)