The Ballylinch Stud-owned and bred Law Major (8/1) created a nice impression when victorious on debut for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning in the Racecourse Of The Year Maiden at Leopardstown.

Law Major was gone beyond recall in the final quarter mile, but runner-up Monolight did to his credit erode the deficit to half a length at the line.

The 'silver medallist,' a well-fancied 2/1 market-leader, and bidding to bring up a double for Michael Halford and Shane Foley, after Tonkinese in the first, dwelt at the gates. Monolight was off the bridle halfway but did his best work late.

"I thought he'd run well but it's hard to know what you'd come up against in these maidens," said Bolger.

"We'll see what the handicapper makes of him."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Manitobian (GB), trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have grazed the right hind stifle and was otherwise post race normal.

(AM & EM)