Battaash defended his Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes Crown with Jim Crowley on board at York, earning a narrow victory over Que Amoro.
The six-year-old was the heavy favourite for the feature on day three of York's Ebor Festival, however, blustery conditions on the Knavesmire made his task much harder than anticipated.
Battaash, who beat Soldier's Call by three-and-three-quarter-lengths in 2019, was unable to break the course record, which he set last year, but showed grit to seal victory by a length after serious pressure from Que Amoro.
Crowley said: “He's an amazing horse and we're lucky to have him about.
“He had to dig very deep and the second was very hard to pass and conditions were tough. He stuck his neck out and wanted it. It's fantastic for the whole team.”
Crowley had a hugely successful day at the meeting, steering four of his six rides to victory.
He is just two winners short of 2,000 over flat and jumps in Britain after striking with Alfaatik, Enibhaar, Minzaal and Battaash.
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