Cill Mocheallog made most of the running and rallied gamely inside the final furlong to land the opening Societies Welcome At Gowran Park Maiden.

The 2/1 shot was headed by Ebanza inside the final quarter mile but the 11/8 favourite wandered under pressure and Billy Lee ’s mount got back up to just prevail by a short-head.

The pair stretched six and a half lengths clear of Rodeeve in third.

Winning trainer Paddy Twomey said, “Dundalk wasn’t an ideal surface for him but I felt it was a good race to start him in at that stage of the year.

“We were drawn 18 but I felt if he broke well that he’d have a chance.

“He’s a nice horse and has been working well since he ran in Dundalk and hopefully he can continue his progression.

“Phoenix Of Spain is a nice stallion and has had plenty of good winners and a third in the Guineas the other day.

“We’ll see how he gets rated and decide whether to go for a handicap or a winners race.”