Forgotten Rules (noseband) is driven out by Pat Smullen to beat Answered© Photo Healy Racing
Forgotten Rules had to dig deep to fend off Answered in what was a cracking renewal of the Group 3 Vintage Crop Stakes.
The unbeaten Dermot Weld trained victor was settled in third by Pat Smullen with Answered in fourth, as Sir Ector attempted to make all.
Forgotten Rules came with his challenge from the three furlong pole and Answered loomed alongside under Kevin Manning.
The winner was ridden to lead under two furlongs out and he kept on well when pressed by Answered, going on to score by a length and a quarter.
Forgotten Rules was returned the 8/11 favourite while Answered was 9/4.
The front duo were four and three parts of a length clear of Sir Ector (50/1) who finished third under Declan McDonogh for James Lambe.
Dermot Weld said afterwards: "I was very pleased with the performance and I thought it was an excellent renewal of the race.
"Two very brave and high class stayers fought it out. Not taking anything away from the second he's a very good horse.
"He had the benefit of a run and was getting 5lb so I thought it was an excellent performance by Forgotten Rules on his first run back.
"I'm pleased with the way he handled the drying ground and it augurs well for his future.
"The obvious logical next step is the Ascot Gold Cup and the only caveat I would have is that he would never want the ground too firm.
"Pat was very pleased with the way he strode out and he handled it well. It's beautiful ground out there and any horse would go on it. Credit to Navan the track is in super shape."
Paddy Power now go 2/1 (from 3's) about Forgotten Rules for the Ascot Gold Cup.
A percentage of all prize money won by Forgotten Rules this season will go to the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
