Ernest Hemingway continued his progression with a hard-fought success in the Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained four-year-old was a surprise 12-1 winner when last seen in the Curragh Cup but was the 11-8 favourite on this occasion.
Dropping back to a mile and a half, he again had his five-length Curragh victim Royal Diamond in opposition, with Johnny Murtagh's charge enjoying a 6lb pull in the weights.
Murtagh set out to make all on last year's Irish Leger winner and was still in front over a furlong out as Ernest Hemingway loomed large under Joseph O'Brien.
With Scintillula also in striking distance, it looked like Royal Diamond would be swallowed up, but that proved not to be the case as the gallant seven-year-old rallied to make the market leader work before asserting by half a length close home.
The winning rider said: "He relaxed really well, but he idled like mad going to the line.
"He's a progressive horse and the Irish Leger fits into his programme well.
"He stayed well and quickens up well. He's tough, he tries and handles quick ground - if it was quick ground he'd have to have a good chance."
Ballydoyle kicked of the evening with an authoritative win for Friendship in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
O'Brien junior was happy to bowl along in front on his father’s 3-10 favourite, and after turning the screw on the home turn, he streaked clear to a six-length win over Bogardus.
Ramone got up in the shadow of the post to land the Foxrock Fillies Maiden for Bill Farrell.
The 12-1 chance seemed out of contention as Danseur De Feu got the better of a battle with Acting Talent, but Johnny Murtagh found another gear on Ramone, who flew home to win by a head.
Dermot Weld's Convocate showed the benefit of a debut outing when landing the 'Bressie' Maiden.
Well beaten into eighth on that first outing at the Curragh, the 8-1 chance was rather keen in the early stages here under Pat Smullen, but she kept up to the task nicely in the home straight to beat Magical Steps by a length and three quarters.
Tropical Mist forced John Oxx's Majestic Jasmine to pull out all the stops in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.
The 5-1 chance loomed up under Declan McDonogh approaching the final furlong and appeared to be travelling best.
However, Tropical Mist had other ideas and McDonogh had to be at his strongest to get Majestic Jasmine up by half a length.
