Principalship was the surprise 20/1 winner of the Mallow Handicap in Cork.

The eight-runner sprint over the minimum trip looked a competitive contest on paper, but the winner handled the tough conditions best of all.

He led the far side group throughout with three horses opting to race down the stands’ side.

With two furlongs the go, the groups had virtually merged and Principalship led the field towards the final furlong. Tide Of Time looked a big danger as he finished well along the stands’ side rail, but Principalship was in charge in the final 150 yards and came in by a length and three quarters.

Tide Of Time had to settle for second at 7/2 and was half a length ahead of Mister Trader (8/1).

Trainer Augustine Leahy said: “He had been cutting out last year a bit, but kept going there and I'd say the jockey (Dylan Browne McMonagle) got the fractions right. That is his first ride for me and he is very bright and to win was grand.

"The horse was no mug last year, he had a rating of 78 and he had been second on soft ground at Tipperary one day. I didn't look beyond today."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes