Cheekpieces work a treat on Leabaland

Ronan Whelan dictated from the front on Leabaland as the pair obliged in the CorkRacecourse.ie Handicap over a mile.

Leabaland broke well and got to the front from stall five and had his rivals on the stretch as he raced past the two marker.

He was ridden a furlong and a half down and increased his advantage in the final furlong. Waterville Lady (10/1) stayed on strongly from the rear to power home in second but she was two and three quarter lengths adrift of the 14/1 winner at the line. Kristall Eye completed the placings a further two lengths away at 13/2.

Mick Halford 's winner sported cheekpieces for the first time.

Ronan Whelan said: "He is improving all the time and mentally and physically he is a big baby. He thinks it is all just a game and Mick thought it would be a good idea to throw head-gear on him just to sharpen him up and they have really sharpened him up.

"He is a fine scopey horse and still has a bit of growing into that frame to do. He will be better in time and seems versatile ground-wise too."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes