Trainer Andrew Balding was delighted as he saw stable-star Montaly claim a tight victory in the 188Bet Chester Cup.
After a steady pace was shown throughout the race, Watersmeet turned into the home straight in the lead.
He soon faded though and was overtaken by stablemate Yorkidding, who looked destined to win but Balding's charge produced a late run.
Jockey Oisin Murphy managed to find a gap and he was overjoyed to see his ride win by a neck.
“It's some job to get this horse to win this race today,” he told reporters. “You've got to remember he's been off the track a long time and he was on a career-high mark, so credit to Andrew and the team at home.
“When you're riding for Andrew Balding you learn to ride with your head and he puts no pressure on you. It's a very easy thing to do.
“You need the horses and as I've said before, fast horses make fast jockeys.”
