Galileo-sired second-string The Equator (7/2) led home an Aidan O'Brien-trained 1-2 in Leopardstown's Aparto (C & G) Maiden today, beating his better-fancied stablemate Ortelius into second.

The Equator looped his rivals rounding the last turn, improved to lead over a furlong out and quickened well to beat stablemate Ortlius (5/6f) by 3.25 lengths.

O'Brien said “The Equator had a lovely run last year and he's a lovely big honest horse. He handles an ease in the ground but will obviously handle ground which is much better as well - he stays well. Wayne (Lordan, winning jockey) was very happy with him and said he went to the line very strong, he did that last year as a two-year-old as well.

“Definitely going up to 1m2f suited him and going further will probably suit him even better. He could go for a trial at Lingfield or somewhere like that. He'll probably love going 1m4f and I'd say next time that's what we will do.”

Regarding runner-up Ortelius, O'Brien added “Ryan said he was a little bit slow away and he was just in the pocket behind the lads. He said he might have preferred to be in the race, and going, earlier.

“He said obviously he was struggling in the ground and will be much better on better ground. Next time you'll see a different horse, I'd imagine, but it was still a lovely run and he was very happy with him.”

Quotes from Gary Carson