Radanpour books ticket for Irish Derby

Radanpour maintained his unbeaten record and is likely to head next for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby following a hard-earned odds-on success in the King George V Cup at Leopardstown.

This Listed event is one of a number of races with the added bonus of free entry for the winner into the premier Irish classic at the Curragh on June 27, and trainer Dermot Weld indicated afterwards that is very much the plan providing ground conditions are suitable.

The Aga Khan's Sea The Stars colt made all but, unlike his two previous easy victories on very soft ground, needed a strong drive in the straight from Pat Smullen to prevail.

The 4/5 favourite had half a length to spare over Bondi Beach and Morning Mix who dead-heated for second place.

Weld said, "The ground is pretty fast. It has been drying out all day, and you won't see him again on ground as fast as that. If the ground is suitable he'll go for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

"We have seen how effective he is on soft to heavy ground. He's a big horse who hits the ground hard, and appreciates an ease.

"He had two very easy races before today and that's the first time he's really had to race. He will learn a lot from that. He's a grand genuine horse, and I loved the way he stuck his head out there."