Ruler’s Control ended Amo Racing’s stranglehold on the opening race of the Irish flat turf season when just holding on in the Topgear At Capital Stud Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh on Sunday.

Kia Joorabchian’s operation have successfully started off subsequent Group 1 winners in this contest in the past three years and usual order was expected to be continued, as Robson de Aguiar’s Force Noir was sent off the 5/6 favourite in the hands of David Egan.

Force Noir clearly understood his assignment as he made his bid, but the eye was always drawn to Jack Foley’s 15/2 chance and Luke McAteer who forced himself to the front with a furlong to run and bravely clung on by head when the favourite rallied late.

“It was a good performance. We thought an awful lot of this horse coming here today,” said Foley, who stable enjoys the support of point-to-point handler Donnchadh Doyle.

“He had worked with a couple of the older ones and he was showing signs that he could be very good. We hadn’t anything able to work with him at home.

“We were hoping he’d improve plenty for whatever he did today but we did think an awful lot of him.

“He got a small bit lonely, he hasn’t been away a whole lot. We were happy coming here anyway.

“Luke gave him a great ride and everything worked out on the day.”

He added: “This race usually throws up a real good horse and that’s what we think this horse is.

“We haven’t thought beyond today. We were coming here to get today out of the way and see where we go.

“He’ll be offered for sale and if he’s not sold we’ll dream with him. We think plenty of him.”

Ruler's Control is a son of Territories and he cost €30,000 as a foal at Goffs.