Macbeth scores under Shane Foley © Photo Healy Racing
The Ken Condon-trained Macbeth proved too tough a nut to crack in front as he made all in the Boyle Race at Roscommon.
Hotpot Show Court (1/1 into 4/6f) tracked the front-runner throughout but couldn't peg back his rival when push came to shove in the straight.
Shane Foley judged things to perfection in the lead as he kept Macbeth going in the closing stages to record a two-and-three-quarter length victory. Ebalviyra failed to make an impression on the leading pair four-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.
The 7/2 winner was recording his first victory since taking his maiden at Gowran in April but had produced some fine efforts in the interim, including when fourth in Group Three company at Royal Ascot.
"He started the season out well but has just disappointed the last twice," said Condon afterwards.
"At Down Royal he travelled well but didn't finish off his race and we fitted him with a tongue tie which made the difference.
"He was still a bit idle halfway up the straight but stuck at it well.
"He has an entry for the Irish St Leger and could go there or another option is the mile-and-a-half Listed race at Listowel."
Shane Foley was recording a double on the card having also taken the opener on Uleavemebreathless
It was the second odds-on shot for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen that had been turned over in the space of half an hour.
(On course reporting by Alan Magee)
