Force Of Habit and Born To Excel had a great duel in the 1m2f handicap at Fairyhouse with the former getting the upperhand in the closing stages.

Born To Excel had made the running but couldn't deny his rival, who gained a narrow lead in the final furlong and held the advantage to score by a neck under Pat Smullen.

"It was a positive ride from Pat and a battling performance. It was touch and go all the way in the last furlong and he put his head in front at the right time," said winning trainer Dermot Weld.

"They didn't go a great gallop and he had a lovely position."