Albert Hall put up a gutsy display to record an all-the-way success in the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon.
Jamie Spencer's mount looked to be in trouble when Merger came to challenge inside the final two furlongs, but Albert Hall was not to be denied.
Running on bravely, the son of Danehill fought off his rival after a sustained duel for a half-length success in the Group Two contest.
Indesatchel, who was held up in rear, was asked to quicken up to the leaders in the straight but was never able to get there and lost third spot to Sant Jordi.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained winner, sent off the 4-5 favourite, was following in the footsteps of the top-class Azamour, who won the mile race last year. Cashmans have introduced Albert Hall at 25-1 for the Vodafone Derby.
British raider Bibury Flyer (12-1) gamely held off Virginia Waters to deny O'Brien and Spencer a quick double in the Flame Of Tara European Breeders Fund Stakes.
Tony Culhane produced the Mick Channon-trained filly travelling sweetly in the centre of the course a furlong out and she ran on well to claim the Listed contest by half a length.
It was Bibury Flyer's 19th race of the season. The favourite Lock And Key, trained by Edward Lynam, was withdrawn after refusing to enter the stalls.
Essex foiled Solerina's gallant attempt to make all in the Hackett's Bookmakers Irish Cesarewitch. Solerina (100-30 favourite) led by six lengths at one stage in the two-mile handicap and had the rest of the field well strung out.
However, she had no answer as Rory Cleary brought the Michael O'Brien-trained Essex to challenge in the final quarter-mile, and James Bowe's mare had to be content with second place, four and a half lengths behind the 16-1 winner.
Sandy Owen was third, with Solerina's stablemate Florida Coast fourth of the 20 runners.