"A strong seven furlongs is ideal as he was getting caught over a mile. He's a very honest horse, and the second really put it up to him," said winning trainer Ger Lyons' brother, Shane, after Rock In Peace justified 5/4 favouritism in the Elusive Pimpernel Maiden at Dundalk.

"He bounced out of the stalls and kept it simple. He'll be a nice handicapper for this year," added Lyons on the Colin Keane-ridden head victor.

On debut, Eternal Endeavour really put it up to Rock In Peace, but that Tracey Collins-trained Mayson filly eventually had to give way.

The Sean Jones-owned Rock In Peace is rated 78 and he was scoring at the tenth time of asking.

He made all for this win.

Anastasia O'Brien, rider of Inescapable trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount received a bump on the bend and got unbalanced before staying on in the straight.

(AM & EM)