Johnny Murtagh looks to have a very useful prospect on his hands after Zahrann overcame a troublesome passage to land the Group 3 Newbridge Silverware Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh.

Carrying the formidable colours of the Aga Khan Studs, Zahrann was sent off a 2/1 chance in a race where the betting was dominated by the 8/7 market leader Los Angeles, who was looking to get back on track under Ryan Moore following his fifth-place finish in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Having travelled well throughout, Los Angeles looked as though he was moving into top gear down the centre of the track to throw down a serious challenge. However, his effort soon petered out and as Los Angeles dropped away, Zahrann and Ben Coen began to spy a gap against the far rail.

Whilst it didn't always look likely, Zahrann squeezed through against the fence to strike the front inside the final furlong, and although he still looked raw and babyish once out in front, Johnny Murtagh's colt found plenty in the closing stages to run out an impressive two-length winner from stablemate Tangapour, who battled back late on to fill the runner-up spot at odds of 300/1.

Galen took the third position, with the Aidan O'Brien-trained Los Angeles ultimately a touch underwhelming back in fourth.

"We wanted to see where we stood today," said Murtagh. "Ben went the brave man's route today, got the gap and he quickened up.

On future plans, he added: "I haven't spoken to anybody yet but hopefully we'll be able to go for the Irish Champion. Today was the test.

"It looked in Ascot like he was a little bit slow, but I think a strong mile and a quarter should suit him around Leopardstown. He has to improve again but he might.

"He's a very relaxed horse that doesn't show much at home and is learning on the job. He's a typical Aga Khan horse and reminds me a bit of Sinndar that when he clicks into gear someday, he might realise how good he is.

"He's still underdeveloped, and I think he could be a really nice four-year-old."