Zihba put in a fine performance to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden under jockey Billy Lee at Dundalk on Friday evening.

Owned by the Pension Fund Syndicate II, the son of Choisir raced prominently throughout and moved past his rival Port Lions inside the final furlong before  scoring a length and a quarter win.

“He did it well; first time out you would always be a bit worried that they would be a bit green but he was very professional.

“He jumped and travelled away beautiful through the race, and turning in I always thought I had Pat (Smullen, on Port Lions) covered. He picked up beautifully and went to the line well.

“He’s going to improve plenty and is a nice horse for the future. I only hit him one crack coming up the stands side to make sure he was in full concentration but he won with a bit in hand.” jockey, Billy Lee.

Zihba holds an entry in next May’s Irish 2,000 Guineas.