Lee on the scoreboard with Marhaba Ashmayme

Marhaba Ashmayme benefited from the application of first-time cheekpieces to run out an easy winner of the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Limerick.

The Ken Condon trained gelding had twice finished second before slightly disappointing when managing only fourth place last time. The headgear certainly did the trick on this occasion, as he found plenty for pressure and stayed on well.

The winner was ridden by in-form jockey Billy Lee who continues to enjoy a real purple patch since the start of the current campaign.

Ken Condon said; "recently we've used blinkers on Warren Beach (dual winner) and this horse as we felt maybe they were leaving a little behind at the races and we're not getting to see their true ability.

"For a novice he ran very well in a good Dundalk maiden first time out, had a nice second run and was slightly disappointing the last day. Obviously we went for the blinkers today and he used himself very well and got into his stride. He is a real good mover with a good action and seemed to float on that ground.

"I'm glad to get that done and it's our first winner for the owner as well and I'm sure he'll be pleased as he is a homebred. We'll keep going while the ground is in his favour and look for a conditions' or rated race next.

"Bill is riding very well and is making the calls at the right time."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes