Mamlook just held Tastahil in a thrilling finish to the totesport.com Chester Cup at the Roodee.
David Pipe's fine dual purpose performer kept the game top weight at bay after a ding-dong battle in the closing stages.
The 7-1 favourite, ridden by Richard Hughes, got the verdict by a head. Halla San kept on strongly to claim third three-quarters of a length away, just ahead of Majestic Concorde in fourth.
Liszt made a brave effort to make all the running with Tastahil tracking him and Mamlook always in a handy position.
Tastahil took the lead about three furlongs out but Hughes had his move covered and the first two fought out a desperate duel throughout the final furlong.
Hughes said: ‘It was lucky I went to Aintree as I bumped into David and told him to make sure he put this horse in the Chester Cup!
‘I've been watching him running over jumps and I've kept tipping him to everyone, but the ground kept going too soft for him and he's a right horse on his day.
‘He's so long and big he normally doesn't jump that well from the stalls, but luckily he did today and hacked around, so it was ideal.
‘I didn't shine on him in the Cesarewitch as I got too far back. I wouldn't have beaten the winner but he does like passing horses.’
Winning owner Peter Deal, whose colours have been carried over jumps by the likes of 1997 Champion Hurdle winner Make A Stand, said: ‘He's an absolutely wonderful horse to have.
‘I've always wanted a proper dual-purpose horse and this is the fellow.
‘He's run in high-class hurdle races and this is a dream, it really is.
‘The Chester Cup is one of the oldest races and I was born in Cheshire, so it means a great deal.
‘Richard gave him a wonderful ride and it was his idea to come here.
‘I thought we'd won but then I had second thoughts and got very nervous.
‘Mamlook will probably have a rest now.’
Charlie Hills, assistant to his father Barry who trains Tastahil, said: ‘He was very backward in his coat first time out at Nottingham, but has really come to himself since then and the horses have been in much better form.
‘He's run a blinder from draw 16 and off top weight. He lost his concentration slightly turning for home and was trying to get back up in the last few strides.
‘We might have to think about stepping up in grade due to his handicap mark but we will wait and see what happens.’
