Safe Voyage, right, pips Sinawann© Photo Healy Racing
Safe Voyage completed a successful raid on the Group 2 Clipper Logistics Boomerang Mile in Leopardstown.
The seven-year-old gelding was sent across the Irish Sea from John Quinn's Malton yard in north Yorkshire.
He faced a strong challenge from Sinawaan deep inside the final furlong but dipped his head at the time to earn the judge's favour after a photo finish.
The 4/1 chance won by a short head from Sinawann (14/1). The front pair drew four lengths clear of third-placed Vatican City (8/1).
Jockey Colin Keane said: “I thought Ronny (Whelan, on Sinawann) was just after nabbing me but to be fair to my horse when the other horse came to him he put his head down and tried very hard.
“He travelled very strong, quickened well and when he did get by him my lad fought back very bravely.
“He's been a revelation from winning the premier handicap in Galway to these Group 2s. It's a brilliant training performance.”
On Sottsass who finished fourth in the Irish Champion Stakes, he added: “I thought he ran a blinder. It was a very true run race, they went a strong gallop the whole way.
“I thought from after the road I was going to get into them and get placed, but to be fair to them they quickened up again.
“I'd say my lad would appreciate going a little bit further and a bit more ease in the ground but it was a good solid run.”
Safe Voyage sealed a Group-race double for Keane who took the Group One Matron Stakes on Champers Elysees
Paddy Power trimmed Safe Voyage from 10/1 to 8/1 for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
