Rock Critic doubled up for the week in the Labrokes Handicap at Galway but had more on his plate today to land the spoils.

Dermot Weld 's charge had cruised to victory here on Thursday but the €70,000 seven-furlong contest today proved more of a test.

Pat Smullen had the 10/11 favourite prominent throughout and kicked for home turning into the straight.

He needed to battle in the closing stages, however, as the pack chased him down - eventually getting home by a neck. Jamesie just won the battle for second from Sean Og Coulston as that pair pushed the winner hard on the run to the line.

The winner had carried a 5lb penalty for his effortless five-length success on Thursday.

"It was a good performance and a power packed ride from PJ Smullen, which probably won the day" said Weld as he welcomed back his 15th winner of the week.

"Everything had to go right to win today. It was a much classier race. He's a horse that will be very impressive against a lesser class of horse but against better horses he had to battle.

"He's a big powerful horse and likes to get things his own way. He had to move up a gear today and against better horses you can see his limitations. Age is catching up with him a bit.

"He needs a break as he's a horse that needs to be fresh. He has been schooled over hurdles and jumps well.

"He could make into a nice hurdler and that would keep him sweet. A horse with his pace should be able to dominate and he'll enjoy being taken back all the time.

"He loves to jump and show off - he's a character."

The winner was completing a double on the day for the Master of Rosewell House after the victory of Natural High in the opening maiden hurdle.

Gary Carson