Canford Cliffs reeled in Rip Van Winkle just before the line to clinch the Sussex Stakes for Richard Hughes and Richard Hannon on day two of Glorious Goodwood.
Rip Van Winkle got the first run on the field, taking over from pacemaker Encompassing before the two furlong pole, and he looked to be stretching away as Hughes got to work on Canford Cliffs.
Although Canford Cliffs picked up immediately it looked for a moment as though Rip Van Winkle would hold on, but the 4-6 favourite kept gaining ground and got up to clinch the feature event by a neck.
There was another battle for third with Premio Loco getting the better of the Joseph O'Brien-ridden Beethoven.
"He's the best horse I've ever trained," enthused Hannon. "I don't think the track suited him. If he comes home right I'd be very happy.
"He's got a turn of foot, this horse, and you need to switch him off.
"He was a bit too free early in the season but he's doing everything right now."
A beaming Hughes added: "He's a superstar. He's improved by 10lb and he actually ran a bit rusty there, he never got into full flight.
"I didn't want them to half-jump because we were downhill, so I missed the break completely because there were only seven of us and I could get him in behind.
"We weren't going that fast - the pacemaker was, we weren't.
"Rip Van Winkle nicked a length out of me, but I know how good he is.
"My horse pricked his ears in the last 100 yards and was in command."