The opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Leopardstown saw a thrilling a finish with Alexander Pope just getting up in the closing strides for a narrow victory.

Johnny Murtagh who was never too far off the pace closed on the leader A Word Apart over a furlong out.

The pair battled all the way to the line with 4/5 favourite just getting his nose in front on the line to score by a short head.