Macbeth does it the hard way

Macbeth made all for a gutsy success in the mile-and-a-half maiden at Gowran Park.

Billy Lee kicked for home early in the straight on the Acclamation colt and he galloped on strongly in the closing stages.

6/4 favourite Chicago was settled in rear before making ground up turning for home.

The Ballydoyle colt couldn't peg back the winner when asked for an effort over a furlong out, however, and went down by four-and-a-half lengths.

The Ken Condon-trained 5/2 winner had shaped with promise on two juvenile runs.

"I'm delighted with that performance. He ran over a mile twice at Navan last year and we always felt he was a staying type," said Condon.

"I was happy for him to make the running. He's not fully wound up today and was very green. I'm sure there is more to come.

"He could be a horse for the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot. He'd have at least another run before that.

"He's a big horse with a big stride on him."

(GC & AM)