ECCLESIASTIC (Arg, photo), ran on strongly in his first attempt over ground and won his Maiden over 1900 under Muzi Yeni at Greyville on Sunday. This was the first leg of a Mike de Kock double. Anthony Delpech booted the promising Dark Wind home to complete his hat-trick of victories in a Graduation Plate over 1900m.

With the false rail placed at 18m, Ecclesiastic was pushed out wide and Yeni said: “I was worried that some of the front-runners would fall back on us, so I went early. He responded very well, kicked away from the rest of the field.”

Ecclesiastic, by Hennessy, is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum of Dubai.

Dark Wind, a son of Western Winter bred and owned by Mike Rattray’s Lammerskraal Stud, is one for the notebook. He is still improving and could be a feature contender later this season. Delpech said: “He quickened to take the lead and then loafed a bit until he saw the challenge that came from Friday Lunch Club. He’s a decent horse.”