At the 18th time of asking Gee Rex finally shed his maiden tag with a last gasp success in the Hanlon Concrete Handicap at the Curragh.

As he did on his other two starts since joining Joseph O’Brien, Gee Rex again headed the market, turning out quickly after finishing second at Naas last Saturday.

Declan McDonogh was trying for the third time on the Requinto gelding, and he travelled well up the centre of the track. Khafaaq and Shawaf put the pace to the race and the former looked like he might have slipped the field when going on from his rivals from three furlongs out.

However McDonogh wasn’t taking no for an answer from Gee Rex and he got there to prevail by half a length close home. It was just three parts of a length then to Passing Trade (9s into 7s) in third.

“He ran well the last day and Declan gave him a good ride. The step up to a mile suited him,” said O'Brien, earlier on the mark at Tipperary with King Pellinor

“He probably doesn't want to be in front too long. He was drawn out there and Declan said he wanted to keep him wide. I'd say it worked to be honest.

“Hopefully he can progress. He was a good two-year-old so he's entitled to win off his mark.”

G.M. Ryan, rider of Shawaf (GB) trained by Damian Joseph English, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped badly left from stalls.

J.M. Sheridan, rider of Agent Zero (FR) trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount missed the kick.

(GC & EM)