Second, third and fourth in three previous visis to the Curragh, Secret Magician (10/3) made the breakthrough in the Sheehy Motors Skoda Maiden.

Always prominent in the near side group as the field split into two, Seamie Heffernan let his mount gradually edge across to the centre where there was more competition. Narrowly in front over a furlong out, the 75-rated winner went away to beat outsiders Baalbec Beauty and The Penny by two lengths and one and three quarter lengths.

Winning trainer Martin Hassett said: “Seamie said to me before the race he’s the horse to beat and when he says that you are on cloud nine.

“He ran well in a handicap here the last day and the winner is after coming out since and winning a Listed race. He loves the Curragh but I was a bit worried about running him on this ground but Seamie said run.

“He might run here in the Bold Lad if he gets in.”

Quotes from Alan Magee