Dermot Weld’s son of Kingman has always been held in the highest regard and gave the high-class Delacroix a fright on his first start at three before ending last season on a high with a comfortable victory in Cork’s Listed Navigation Stakes.

Returning at the same level but upped to a mile and a half, the Juddmonte-owned colt was sent off at 4-1 in the hands of Colin Keane and after travelling stylishly throughout, delivered a commanding six-length verdict when asked by his rider to seal the deal.

“It was an excellent performance, he’s a lovely colt,” said Weld.

“He has matured and developed as I always thought he would. We’ve a lot to look forward to with him.

“He’s always been operating at Group level and he was just a big, immature, horse last year. He’s just matured nicely over the winter.

“This was his first time over a mile and a half. I was always keen to try him over it. He settled beautifully, got a lovely ride from Colin, and you saw the rest.

“It’s something that we will reflect upon, discuss it with Barry (Mahon) and with the owners and decide (where to go).

“I think he’s a horse to look forward to. The ground is beautiful here at the Curragh today and that’s his ground.

“It’s a long year and we’ll plan his races accordingly.”

It was Maurice Ahern’s Perry Mason (16-1) who laid down the law to his rivals to win the Keadeen Hotel Handicap in the hands of Leigh Roche.

Ahern said: “I’m delighted. He’s due that and he was knocking on the door in some big handicaps.

“He gave me my first winner here last year. I’m training exactly 12 months and he’s been good to me.”