Battaash overcame conditions to land back-to-back runnings of the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes (5f) at York on Friday.
On a dampening track and chasing down a gallant Que Amoro, Battaash was forced to dig deep inside the final furlong to finally assert his superiority.
At the finish Battaash (pictured winning at Ascot) defeated Que Amoro (Es Que Love) by one length with Moss Gill (No Nay Never) filling the minor prize.
Trainer Charlie Hills admitted to some apprehension about the result with the 1/2 favourite.
“Relief is the right word. It’s not easy conditions out there. There’s a massive tailwind, the ground is loose – and obviously not ideal for him,” Hills told ITV Racing
“He had to knuckle down and get the job done – and he did that. All credit to everyone, and Jim rode him perfectly.”
Jim Crowley enjoyed a four-timer on the day and was full of praise for his partner.
“He’s an amazing horse. We’re lucky to have him about. He had to dig very deep. That horse was hard to pass. We went one hell of a gallop – there’s a tailwind, the wind is blowing across the track towards the stands rail.
“For him, he doesn’t normally have to battle. He usually has his races won sat halfway, but today he stuck his neck out and battled it out.
“It was a Catch 22. It was a bit of an outsider, and I had to try not to give it enough rope. Anyway we got it just right.”