Magic Combination ran out a tenacious winner of the Sunderlands Imperial Cup at Sandown today to set his connections up for a massive bonus.
The sponsors are offering a #50,000 bonus to this afternoon's winner if going on to be successful at next week's Cheltenham Festival and the Barney Curley-trained seven-year-old holds an entry in Wednesday's Coral Cup.
David Casey held the 11-1 chance up in the early stages as Brown Lad set just a steady pace with Irish raider The Gatherer in last place.
Several horses were in with a chance two out as Redemption took over but Magic Combination made good headway on the stands' side to take control approaching the final flight.
He looked set to win easily but The Gatherer, carrying the Istabraq colours of J P McManus, made rapid progress to throw down a challenge on the climb to the line.
However, Magic Combination responded gamely to his rider's urgings and held off Arthur Moore's 7-1 shot by one and a quarter lengths to land the #21,450 first prize.
Brigade Charge (16-1), also trained in Ireland, kept on well to finish third three lengths away. Krabloonik was fourth at 25-1.
Curley caused controversy after the race by refusing to accept the winner's trophy.
The trainer said: "I won't accept a prize given by bookmakers."
