Cocozza had to be withdrawn at the start after refusing to stand-up in the stalls before the Group 3 Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes leaving just three runners for the mile contest and Dunboyne Express ended up doing what was expected of him under Declan McDonogh. Whipless took them along from Exodus with Dunboyne Express settled off the gallop but once he was asked to pick up from the quarter mile pole it looked likely that the 5/4 favourite (40 cent Rule 4 after the withdrawl of Cocozza) would get there. He quickened up in the final furlong to beat Exodus.

Winning trainer Kevin Prendergast said: "That was a satisfactory performance. He did it well but it would have been nice if the other horse had run (Cocozza). That wasn't to be though.

"The run should bring him on a good bit and the run of Masterofhounds (had form with Dunboyne Express as a two-year-old and 2nd at Meydan) yesterday was no harm.

"He wasn't right before Doncaster (5th in the Racing Post Trophy) and he had colic after it."