The 9/4 favourite Espionage led home a one-two for Ballydoyle in the Williamhill.ie Irish EBF Maiden.

Ryan Moore ’s mount, second to exciting stablemate Alexandroupolis at Galway earlier this month, was out smartly and made all to beat the staying-on Sierra Blanca by a length and three quarters. The well-fancied Djokovic, another to do good late work, was a further half a length back in third.

Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien remarked: “He ran well the last day. The other horse got up the rail and he had to come around. I’m delighted with him over seven furlongs.

“Ryan said he’s babyish. When he got to the start he was a little bit anxious.

“He might go for something like the Killavullan or the Eyrefield at Leopardstown. We won’t force him.

“He looks a middle-distance horse for next year.

“The second horse also ran well. He disappointed in Gowran the last day and obviously this track suited him better.”

Paddy Power cut the winner into 14/1 (from 33s) for next month's Vertem Futurity at Doncaster. The same firm make him a 25/1 chance (from 50s) for the Derby.

Quotes from Alan Magee