Leaders Listen steps up in trip to score at second time of asking

The Joseph O'Brien trained Leaders Listen benefited from stepping up in distance when getting up close home under Dylan Browne McMonagle to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Leopardstown.

Fourth on his racecourse debut over 7f at Fairyhouse last month, the Camelot gelding clearly appreciated the extra two furlongs here, needing every yard to get his head in front close home.

Prominent from stalls, the 10/3 chance tracked the pace in third as favourite Raydamann led fellow Aga Khan owned Eshnunna early on.

As the latter came under pressure entering the straight, Leaders Listen went second in pursuit of the Johnny Murtagh trained market leader.

Gradually closing the deficit all the way to the line, Joseph O'Brien's gelding led close home for a half-length win.

Joseph O’Brien said: “They are two nice maidens that pulled away. He enjoyed the step up to nine furlongs and I’m sure he’ll stay further. He’s a nice progressive horse.

“He had to be tough because the horse in front had experience and slipped the field. He did well to go and get him.

“He’ll probably go for a winners’ race of some sort and I thought for a Camelot at that trip there should be more to come when he goes ten or twelve. He has the makings of a nice horse.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.