Saratoga Springs proved yet another big gun in Michael Tabor's juvenile armoury with a hard fought victory in the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt had to beat off the challenge of Mudeer and then had to survive a 20 minute stewards' inquiry before being allowed to keep the £94,000 first prize.
Michael Kinane ushered Saratoga Springs to the front with less than two furlongs remaining, but Frankie Dettori and Mudeer were on hand to cover the move.
The two fought out a thrilling scrap through the final furlong and although Mudeer was gaining at the line Saratoga Springs held on by a short head to give Ireland its first success in the race since 1978.
Mutamam and Richard Hills stayed on to take third length away and shortly after the announcement of the result came the news that Hills had lodged an objection to the first two for "taking my ground a furlong and a half out".
Bookmakers were unimpressed by Saratoga Springs' triumph, offering him at 20 to 1 for next year's Derby.
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