Red Persian got off the mark at the third attempt with a last-gasp victory in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction Race at Leopardstown on Thursday evening, initiating a treble for jockey Kevin Manning.

Patrick Prendergast's youngster, who hit the crossbar on his first couple of outings, seemed booked for a minor role at best when Bella Figura and Rufus King entered the final furlong with a commanding advantage.