Vinnie Roe embarked on his final season on the racecourse with victory in the Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown.
The four-time Irish St Leger winner delighted trainer Dermot Weld with his performance in the Listed contest as he beat stable-mate Mutakarrim by a length-and-a-half.
Pat Smullen was content to track the leaders, on the 8/11f, before moving smoothly to the front early in the straight. He just had to ride his mount out 'hands and heels' in the final furlong to secure victory.
'It was a brilliant performance. He was cantering most of the way and just got tired in the final furlong,' said Weld.
There was some doubt beforehand over the favourites participation because of the firm ground and Weld explained: 'I walked the track and decided to let him take his chance as he needed the run.'
The plan now is to go for the Ascot Gold Cup at Royal York 'provided the ground is safe' while a fifth Irish St Leger is a long-term aim along with a possible third tilt at the Melbourne Cup.
It was an excellent evening's work for Weld and Smullen with the pair also claiming the two juvenile events earlier on the card.
The market spoke loudly in favour of Sapphire Stone (5/2 to 6/4jf) in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden and the colt made all for a convincing length-and-a-half success over Glasog.
Hidden Charm (5/1) had kicked off the treble when landing the opening Median Auction Maiden. Smullen was also keen to lead on this filly and got to the front after two furlongs before holding the late challenge of Monthly Medal by half a length.
Sahara Prince got the better of Chained Emotion in the closing stages to claim the Castlewood Handicap while Bective Ranger kept on gamely to hold the finish of Loblolly Bay by a length in the Cova Properties Handicap.
