Zarib came home best to collar Vector Force and win the mile maiden for two-year-olds in Dundalk.

Mick Halford’s colt has been progressing with his racing. From eighth on debut in a Leopardstown maiden he then came in third over course and distance in October.

In tonight’s race, Declan McDonogh in the Aga Khan colours sent his mount after front-running 9/4 favourite Vector Force and he hit the front inside the furlong pole to record a victory by a length at 7/2.

“He did it well from a bad draw. He had to roust him up to get a position and he did well to hold the position,” Michael Halford said.

“He’s improving with every run. He has loads of size and scope and will make a lovely three-year-old. I thought he was good enough to win at two and I’m glad he has that done.

“It looked a competitive race, there were plenty fancied. That’s it for the year and he’ll make a lovely middle distance horse next year.” Hardstone on debut, picked up nicely inside the final furlong to grab third at 14/1 for Johnny Murtagh and Niall McCullagh. He was beaten four lengths by the winner.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson