Universal Focus and Lizard Point drew clear of the other 13 horses and fought out the finish of the mile and a half handicap in Cork before the former prevailed.

The pair scooted ahead in the final furlong but Universal Focus was always just holding Lizard Point as they approached the winning post.

The winning margin from the 11/1 chance to the 13/2 shot was a neck. Glib Speech came in six and a half lengths back in third.

Trainer Ross O'Sullivan said: "Today was the first time he got a drop of rain and it made the difference.

"Gary (Carroll) was good and strong and hopefully he is low enough to climb up the ratings."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes