A strong sustained run in the final furlong reaped dividends for Captain Cullen in the six furlong handicap at the Curragh.

Fergal Lynch was on board and galvanised the 20/1 shot to go past Hatton Cross (16/1) and win by two lengths. Oor Jock looked to be a threat at the business end, but had to settle for third at 10/1, Verus Delicia got fourth-placed money at 11/1.

“We decided to drop him in trip as he's so free. When he doesn't settle he runs no race. He hadn't run over six since he was a two-year-old,” trainer Gerard Keane explained.

“He's a good horse on his day. We'll keep tipping away and see what comes up. He has loads of gears and loves to be ridden that way. Anytime he's won he's come from off the pace.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson