Chris Hayes feels Pillar Mountain could develop in a smart performer after making a winning debut in the mile maiden at Dundalk tonight.

Paddy Twomey 's charge was sent off a 16/1 shot for his racecourse bow but travelled strongly into contention two furlongs from home.

The son of Kodiac got on top inside the final furlong to beat 2/1 favourite Bring On The Band by a length-and-a-quarter.

“He's a lovely horse. I sat on him once for Paddy and loved him,” said Hayes.

“He rang me this morning, he's over at the sales, and he filled me up with confidence.

“I thought the draw would be a real hindrance to him but he let me do my own thing and told me to ride him like the best horse in it.

“I think he's going to be a horse when he figures out what he's doing, he'll be a real nice horse.

“He did it real easy but I was just saying there when I came back in that he didn't know what he was doing and I didn't pull him up until the five furlong marker.”