Jan Brueghel got the better of stablemate Illinois to win the oldest classic in the world, the English St Leger, on Saturday at Doncaster and give trainer Aidan O'Brien his 45th British classic success.
Sean Levey, born in Swaziland but whose Irish father worked at the Ballydoyle Stables where O'Brien trains, gave the winner a sublime ride as he had looked to have expended much-needed energy early on in the marathon contest.
However, he found a second wind as he and his fellow 11/4 joint favourite Illinois entered the decisive final two furlongs (400 metres).
Jan Bruegehl added to Levey's cracking season, winning the Irish 2000 Guineas and the Group One St James's Palace Stakes with Rosallion.
"He (Mick his father) would be very proud of me, no doubt," said 36-year-old Levey, whose mother Tini is Swazi.
"I would give a big thank you to the team and everyone concerned for me to be given those opportunities.
"It is a great feeling for me personally."
Levey said that unbeaten Jan Brueghel, giving O'Brien an eighth victory in the race, was still a work in progress as the St Leger was just his fourth race.
"He showed he is exceptional at the extra distance and could well be an Ascot Gold Cup horse, there is a bit of class about him."
Levey evidently handed on the same message to part owner Derek Smith.
"Sean said he is still very babyish. But he could well fill the void of Kyprios," said Smith.
There has been some talk of adapting the St Leger and reducing its 1 mile six furlongs (2800m) distance but Smith was having none of it.
"A friend of mine Mike Dillon helped save the race so it is a special race for me," he said.
"My son won it with Kingston Hill (2014) and I won it five times, four in my colours."
