Dual Derby hero High Chaparral made a successful return to action in the Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon.
Aidan O'Brien's star (9-10) had been off the track since winning the Breeders' Cup Turf last October and the trainer had warned before the race that he would come on for the run.
The Ballydoyle handler must have been delighted with this effort, and the way High Chaparral responded to Mick Kinane's urgings with just over a furlong to run suggests there is plenty more to come.
Royal Ascot winner In Time's Eye took the field along in the 10-furlong Group Two contest and was challenged by the Barry Hills-trained Private Charter two out as High Chaparral was gradually being stoked up by Kinane.
The eventual winner appeared to hang to his right as he made his move, but there was little interference and he ran on for a cosy three-quarters of a length success from Mick Channon's running-on Imperial Dancer.