The Old Rowley Cup was a real slog in the swirling wind and the outcome could have been anyone’s guess. First and second place went to Charlie Appleby and Godolphin.
Pat Dobbs will no doubt be delighted that his mount, Al Nafir was able to see this out off a slightly generous 8 stone, 11 pounds.
The principals in the market made very little impact on the race after Caius Chorister had stretched the field early before fading. 9-6 was clearly too much for her to carry on softer ground.
As the race unfolded, there were plenty with chances, including Thundering who was travelling well and the favourite La Yakel.
But it was the two Godolphin horses, Al Nafir and Wild Crusade, that would be left to fight out the finish, as Thundering weakened and La Yakel fought on bravely.
Haunted Dream rallied late on to finish third as Al Nafir hung on to beat Wild Crusade into second by a neck.