Japanese rock in the finale

Pop Rock runner-up in both the Melbourne Cup (2006) and the following year's Japan Cup, added an international flavour to the evening when taking the concluding mile and three quarters Guinness Race for Curragh-based Takashi Kodama.

The nine-year-old entire stayed on well under Fran Berry to beat Caesar's Song by two and a half lengths, with End Of The Affair another length and three quarters back in third.

Berry was thrilled with his mount saying: “Mick Kinane and I have both ridden this horse in work, and he gives you a nice feel. He travelled kindly today and pricked his ears, so I'd say he had plenty in the tank.”

“He's definitely up to Listed standard, and would be suited by a more galloping track,” added the winning rider.

A delighted Kodama agreed with this view saying: “He never ran on a track like this, and I was very worried. The owners just want to have some fun with the horse and, if he's okay after this, there is a mile and three quarters race (Ballycullen Stakes) for him at the Curragh on August 21.”