Vinnie wins fourth Leger

IRISH FIELD ST LEGER 1 Vinnie Roe 7-2 Jt Fav Pat Smullen (Dermot Weld) 2 Brian Boru 7-2 Jt Fav Jamie Spencer (Aidan O'Brien) 3 First Charter 5-1 Kieren Fallon (Sir Michael Stoute)

Dermot Weld's Vinnie Roe won a record fourth successive Irish St Leger with a convincing success over 12 rivals at the Curragh.

The six-year-old stormed clear with two furlongs to run and jockey Pat Smullen was able to celebrate well before the 7-2 joint-favourite crossed the line.

Brian Boru, the other market leader, ran on for second with First Charter a creditable third under Kieren Fallon.

"I knew I was on the best horse in the race," said Smullen.

"He annihilated them. He loves it when there is a bit of cut in the ground.

"I wanted to ride the race as positively as I could and just sat in behind the pace.

"The horse really delivered today, just as he always has done."

Vinnie Roe's win was trainer Weld's sixth in the 14-furlongs showpiece and he was full of praise for the fine stayer.

"We had little problems with him in training but he came good on the day we wanted," said Weld.

"He is one of the bravest horses I have ever had and it is a thrill to train him."

Weld said he would wait to see how the horse recovered from the race before deciding on whether to give Vinnie Roe a crack at the Melbourne Cup.