The Emmet Mullins-trained The Shunter battled on strongly to land the staying feature at Newmarket on Saturday, making it six National Hunt-based winners of the Cesarewitch in succession.
Emmet Mullins watched on with delight as his well-orchestrated masterplan for The Shunter that was formed almost a year ago came off in spectacular fashion in the Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket today, Dubai Future Champions Day.
Despite being one of the oldest runners in the field the gallant 10-year-old, who tasted victory in the Paddy Power Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in 2021, demonstrated that he still retains plenty of potential when outstaying his rivals in the two and a quarter mile marathon.
It wasn't until the final three furlongs of the £200,000 contest that the JP McManus-owned gelding appeared on the scene to make his move in pursuit of glory under Classic-winning rider James Doyle.
Moving on together with top-weight Tashkhan the 14-1 chance, who was making just his sixth start on the Flat, was not to be denied with his superior stamina coming to the fore late on.
As Tashkhan backed out of the battle it was left to dual Grade Two-winning hurdler Pied Piper to throw down the final challenge, however his efforts were not enough with three quarters of a length separating the pair at the line.
Mullins said: "It was a brilliant performance from horse and rider. James was brilliant on him. It was funny the instructions I gave to James as he didn't know what to make of it.
"I said his hardest trouble might be getting him to the start and I said he has probably got more ignorance than ability, but he will keep fighting and going to the line for you. It was a bit surreal that it has all come off.
"This has probably been on the radar since last year with his good run in fourth in the November Handicap at Naas. We always thought there could be a big pot in him on the Flat and I suppose patience has paid off.
"He had been in great order at home, and I was very happy with him. Thanks go to the patience of JP (McManus) and Frank (Berry, racing manager) as they were willing to put faith in me and my position to come over here and it has paid off.
"He is very tough, and he has shown that over the years. He has toughed out and he fights for everything."
Following the race Mullins admitted all options remained open to The Shunter, with a tilt at next year's Randox Health Grand National, which the Irish-based handler won with Noble Yeats in 2022, potentially among them.
He added: "All options are open again. He was entered in last season's Grand National, but we scratched him at the 11th hour. Everything is an option."
