The nine-year-old stayer scored its second Horsham Cup in three years, surviving a protest to win the $35,000 race by half a neck from Michael O'Leary's Methodical Boy.

Horsham trainer Paul Preusker denied Kelly an impressive double with Tradesman's Choice finishing in the money in third place and living up to its reputation as a good each-way bet horse. The Murtoa-owned Delabee, trained by Kelly, came fourth.

Brad Rawiller piloted Aquiline to the head of the field past Tradesman's Choice, which led into the straight, late in the race. The horse then held its own, withstanding a spirited Methodical Boy which stormed home in the final straight.

A buzz drifted across a big crowd at Horsham Racing Centre when word filtered through of a protest. O'Leary's camp claimed interference in the last 75 metres of the race, alleging that Rawiller's whip was striking Methodical Boy on the nose, forcing it to throw its head back. Stewards threw out the protest.

Kelly, who was trackside for Aquiline's 2004 win, missed his opportunity to accept the cup in person because he was in Seymour nursing fresh runner, Ransom Willie, through

its inaugural race. Kelly's partner and part owner Angela Bridges accepted the trophy and described the win as a reward for effort.

"It was a bit nerve-wracking there for a minute, the protest was fair enough but the best horse won," she said.

'‘I knew he'd hold Methodical Boy off. It was a gutsy win which just personifies Aquiline. ‘‘He's a ripping horse; gallant,

wonderful and old."

She spoke to Kelly, who watched the race from Seymour, moments after the win.

‘‘In typical fashion he said, sounding very laid-back, ‘That was amazing Ange'. That's Terry, understated and quaint."

Bridges said the Horsham Cup held special significance for the Kelly stable.

‘‘This whole day has been very good to us. We got the treble in 2004 and we've got Aquiline and Delabee through today," she said.

‘‘This day does mean a lot to us." She also attributed the success of the horse to co-owner Andre Agterhuis.