Sense Of Purpose maintained Dermot Welds remarkable run of success in the Listed Challenge Stakes at Leopardstown as the trainer won it for the fourth year in-a-row.

Pat Smullen dictated the pace from the front on the 5/1 shot and kept enough in reserve to hold off 13/8 favourite Bob Le Beau and Fictional Account in a driving finish by a neck and half a length.

Dermot Weld said: “This is a lucky race for us. We have won it six times in the last ten years. We have won it four in-a-row now.

“Profound Beauty and Vinnie Roe won it three times each so she had a hard act to follow.

“She got a very good ride. She is a very genuine filly who has improved as the years have gone on.

“She ran an excellent race on her last race [second to Banimpire in the Group 3 Noblesse Stakes at Cork]. I thought that run would be good enough to win today.

“We’ll see where we go. The Park Hill is the logical step.

“She’ll get an entry for the Melbourne Cup. I’m not saying she will go but she will get an entry.

“She stays well. Groundwise she’s adaptable but firm would be best.”

Bob Le Beau was backed from 2/1 to 13/8, but never quite got on terms with the winner in the final furlong.

Michael Graham