Manalapan and Encrypted Message hit the line in unison at Gowran Park, and it was the former who got the nod from the stewards to win the McEnery Cup Handicap at 11/2.

A sustained challenge from Manalapan in the final furlong saw him land on the line to foil Encrypted Message (12/1) by a short head. He was nicely backed from 7s in the ring. Plinth the 11/4 favourite for Aidan and Joseph O’Brien, kept on for third, half a length further away.

Successful trainer Patrick Prendergast said: “I thought that was a very good performance for a three-year-old as he had a lot of weight.

“He’s got loads of ability but he’s difficult to train and has his problems. He’s in Dundalk on Sunday, but he had to work hard there and it may come too soon.

“I think when the heavy ground comes his season will be over.”

Jim Bolger has a tremendous record in the McEnery Cup, winning it five times in the last 11 years. However, Miss Forde was his representative in this renewal and she weakened on her first run for 201 days to finish last of the nine runners. Bensoon spoiled his chance by dawdling in the stalls and giving away several lengths.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee