Emotions ran high at Flemington following the Australian Cup won, by of Awesome Rock, after a courageous performance leading all the way, the margin was the barest, a short half head.

There was plenty of back slapping going on from an exciting group of owners and friends, Leon Corstens was swamped by a mob of well wishes, he left it to son Troy to confront the media.

It was an excited Troy that faced the media, with sweat pouring from his brow, as if he had just completed a ten rounder with Jeff Fenech, when the siren sounded a protest.

Smiles were soon wiped from faces, complexions altered, this was now down to the serious stuff, those representing the winner, Awesome Rock, co trainer Troy Corstens , and jockey Stephen Baster, and traine,r Chris Waller and Hugh Bowman were in the corner of Preferment.

Preferment - Close finish of the Australian Cup

There was certainly interference, the winner, Awesome Rock, did come out a couple of times and appeared to take the running of Preferment, after deliberating for a short while stewards upheld the protest.

Leon Corstens vowed they would be back next year, surely not the same horse, Awesome Rock, 12 months is a long time in the life of a racehorse, particularly if it is an entire.

The favourite, Bow Street, ran a shocker, he never came into the race at any stage, you would have to question how he possibly won at Caulfield?

Hugh Bowman and Chris Waller - All smiles