The 2/1 favourite Gambe Veloci made the breakthrough in the Ardglass Stables Breeze-Up Maiden.

Runner-up twice last term and unlucky in running when third at the Listowel festival, the Caravaggio gelding made no mistake on this seasonal debut.

Having tracked the leaders under Dylan Browne McMonagle, he made good headway from early in the straight to collar the front-running Nostringsattached after that one had kicked for home two furlongs out. The winner, after briefly edging right, went away to beat the long-time leader by three and a half lengths.

Brendan Powell, assistant to winning trainer Joseph O'Brien, said: "He wants soft ground and is a stronger, more straightforward horse this year. Joseph's girlfriend Tara (Armstrong) has been riding him since he came back in.

"He is nice and relaxed, stays well and will get further without a doubt."

Quotes from Tom Weekes