Aidan O'Brien's juvenile Ruling relished the six furlongs at Naas when making a winning debut to land odds of 15/8 favouritism in the opening maiden.

Johnny Murtagh sent the Footstepsinthesand colt past Pat Smullen and Anderiego to score by a head after a battle in the final furlong.

Tammy O'Brien representing the owners Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Mrs John Magnier said of the 160,000 guineas colt: "He did it well. We are delighted with him. He looks a progressive type."

Endenshaw finished third a further three lengths behind.