Zulu Principle "dug deep" for Pat Smullen to open his account in the 1m2f maiden at Dundalk.

The Dermot Weld-trained colt fought it out with Confidence from over a furlong out and got the measure of that rival in the closing stages.

He had to hold a late charge from 2/1 favourite Leaves You Baby however, to record a gutsy head success.

"He was brave and the first time blinkers helped," reported Smullen afterwards.

"He needed the run the last day as he was off for quite a while. I was hopeful he could win a maiden of this quality and to be fair to him he dug deep for me."

The victory moved Pat Smullen on to 93 winners for the season, seven clear of nearest rival Johnny Murtagh.