Despite being friendless on-course (6/4 out to 11/4 at the off), Expedition made a winning debut in the opening race at Limerick this afternoon, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2yo Maiden.

The Aidan O’Brien trained son of Oasis Dream was being niggled along in rear from early but he made progress from two furlongs out. He moved into third a furlong out before soon challenging and keeping on best inside the final furlong to beat fellow newcomer Ruler Of France by a neck.

The runner-up, who is trained by David Wachman and was ridden by Wayne Lordan, was well backed on track, going from an opening show of 6/1 into 7/2 at the off.

The front duo went seven and a half lengths clears of Captain Moonlite in third while the Jim Bolger trained 5/2 favourite, Focussed finished back in fourth.

Winning rider Seamie Heffernan said afterwards; "He was green rather than being outpaced and when the penny dropped he came home well."

The winner was sold last October at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale for €280,000.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes