Earlier second with favourite Cruciatus in the 6.35, Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning went a place better in the centre-piece, the Listed Her Majesty's Plate at Down Royal.

Market-leader at 5/4, Twilight Payment tracked the leader in second, and he improved to lead two furlongs out in the mile and three quarter stamina test.

Ridden a furlong and a half out, the Bolger-bred and Godolphin-owned Twilight Payment kept on well in the final furlong to put three and a half lengths between himself and second favourite Laws Of Spin

"He seems very sweet, he seems as good as ever. He was a little bit disappointing in this race last year, he didn't travel for whatever reason we don't know. The ground was a little bit shifty," said Manning.

"He has travelled very sweet tonight and picked up well. I thought Donnacha (O'Brien on Light Pillar would make it on a nice staying horse, and ideally if I was following him I would see where it would take me.

"He has been running some great races without getting his head in front. In all fairness though, he has been running into proper horses."

The Stewards interviewed H.Rogers, trainer of Benkei, in relation to the late withdrawal of his charge.

Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who complimented the presentation of the ground but stated that this evening's going was not what he was hoping for, as 5mm rain which was forecasted did not fall, which would have changed the going in favour of his charge.

He added that his charge is a heavy horse who would not have been suited to this evening's going.

Evidence was also heard from Mr. B. Sheridan, Irish Horse Regulatory Board Clerk of the Course, who agreed with Mr. H. Rogers' assessment of the ground and confirmed that the 5mm of rain forecast never materialised.

Having considered the evidence, the Stewards allowed the late withdrawal of Benkei.

(MG & EM)