Taj Mahal fends the closers off in Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
Taj Mahal got off the mark at the sixth time of asking in the seven furlong nursery at Dundalk.
Donnacha O'Brien 's mount was driven in third approaching the straight and was ridden over two furlongs out in pursuit of clear leader Twist Of Magic
Taj Mahal made steady headway to challenge the leader at the furlong pole. Twist Of Magic was edging left at this stage.
Taj Mahal kept up the forward momentum to grab a narrow lead in the final 150 yards and strode on to win by a length.
The winner, trained by Aidan O'Brien, was returned the 9/4 favourite. He carried top weight of 9st 8lbs.
There was a major gamble on Noble Intention - 25/1 to 8/1 - and his backers got a place dividend as he kept on for third, a short head behind Twist Of Magic (7/1).
Donnacha O'Brien said: "He's still a big baby but it's a step in the right direction. He's a horse that we have always thought plenty of and the trip was a bit sharp but he got away with it as it was a drop in class."
The winner is a full brother to last year's English and Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Gleneagles, who went on to land the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The Stewards interviewed D. O'Brien, rider of Taj Mahal, concerning his use of the whip in this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg. 10. 3.(f) by using his whip with excessive force and imposed a suspension of three race days and ordered that the rider attend RACE for one day's tuition in the correct use of the whip.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
