Steip Amach (far side) and Kevin Manning just getting the better of Cougar Mountain© Photo Healy Racing
Steip Amach caused something of an upset when getting the better of Cougar Mountain in a thrilling finish to the Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown.
The Jim Bolger-trained 14/1 chance travelled well to challenge early in the straight but appeared in trouble as Cougar Mountain loomed alongside a furlong out.
However Kevin Manning's mount rallied bravely on the rail and prevailed by a short-head, with In My Pocket two lengths adrift in third.
The 7/4 favourite Custom Cut could find no extra in the straight and finished in rear.
Bolger said, "I thought she appreciated an ease in the ground but as a four-year-old she is a bit hardier and probably goes on any ground.
"I was hoping to win a Group 3 and, now that she has achieved that, we can be a bit more careful with her. I'd love to keep her as a broodmare as she will be very easy to mate."
Paddy Power make Cougar Mountain 16/1 (from 25/1) for the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
