Grace O'Malley stuck her head out gamely to make all the running in the Group 3 Noblesse Stakes at Cork.

She was strongly pressed by Karasiyra all-the-way down the straight and just held that rival on the bob at the line to follow up last year's victory in the event. Unity who had come with a challenge a furlong out, was just a neck back in third.

"It's a great day for Refuse To Bend with Sarafina winning (the French Oaks) in France," said Kris Weld.

"Everybody is delighted. That's her second year in a row. She was brave and tough, making all and hanging on. It was a great ride from Pat.

"She's in foal to Shamardal. We might have a look at the Lancashire Oaks for her. She's a beautifully bred filly."