High Chaparral just prevailed in a thrilling finish to the Ireland The Food Island Champion Stakes at Leopardstown today.
Aidan O'Brien's dual Derby winner (4-1) responded to all Michael Kinane's urgings in the straight, but there was all sorts of mayhem in behind as Darryll Holland searched desperately for a gap on Falbrav.
It didn't come, however, and he had to settle for second, with Islington running a stormer in third.
Falbrav had raced keenly in the early stages as Moon Ballad and Alamshar sat in behind pacemaker France.
Moon Ballad went on with half a mile to run and Alamshar tried to go with him, with High Chaparral still going well enough on their outside.
All the while Holland was searching for room on Luca Cumani's Juddmonte International winner and Moon Ballad and Alamshar seemed to be squeezed up as he tried to find a gap.
High Chaparral had gained an advantage while Falbrav was left frustrated and he just held the last desperate lunge of Holland's mount by a neck.
However, a stewards' inquiry was quickly called, with Holland launching an objection to the winner.
More to follow...