Naval Crown pipped stablemate Creative Force in a thrilling finish to the £1 million Platinum Jubilee Stakes.
In a reversal of last year's Jersey Stakes placings, it was the 33-1 shot who was in front this time. A length-and-a-quarter separated them on that occasion, but it was a much shorter margin in Saturday's Group 1.
The pair, both trained by Charlie Appleby, flashed past the post together and a photo finish was called before the winner was announced. Ridden by James Doyle, Naval Crown raced alongside the stands rail, while his stablemate was on the opposite side of the track.
The 5-2 favourite Home Affairs, chasing a double for Australian trainer Chris Waller after Nature Strip's heroics earlier in the week, could only finish in 20th place.
Appleby said: “There wasn’t a lot between them at home. Will rode the winner in a gallop the other day and said there wasn’t much between them.
"Both were in great nick, but Naval Crown is still learning about the sprint division and he was all at sea in Saudi. But he finished fourth in the Guineas and is a rock solid horse, and over that stiff six furlongs we saw his natural pace."
Naval Crown's top tier display was another feather in the cap for Doyle, enjoying a memorable Flat season.
Just a month ago he celebrated his first British Classic win Coroebus in the 2,000 Guineas.
"He was favourite over seven furlongs in Saudi Arabia and ran away with me," Doyle said.
"We were hopeful dropping back in trip."
Earlier on the card, Ryan Moore, crowned leading rider of the meeting for the ninth time, took the Hardwicke Stakes on Broome (6-1).
The top jockey then doubled up riding Rohaan (18-1) for back-to-back Wokingham triumphs.
Appleby also had two winners, Naval Crown adding to Noble Truth's exploits in the Jersey Stakes.
