Jockey Will Buick was bitten by a rival horse while steering globetrotter Modern Games to victory in the Lockinge Stakes.
In a dramatic conclusion to Newbury's feature, Chindit went for the Charlie Appleby-trained winner as he passed by – and caught the champion rider's hand.
Modern Games, the 3-1 favourite, was unfazed by the incident, galloping on with gusto for a length and a half supremacy.
"I’ll take a bruise for that!” said Buick after helping owners Godolphin to a record ninth win in the Al Shaqab-sponsored contest.
"They had a real tussle. He’s so consistent and is a joy to have anything to do with."
On the way to his first Group One success on home soil, Modern Games had conquered top level fields in America, Canada and France. The dual Breeders' Cup hero swooped late to overtake 22-1 shot and eventual runner-up Chindit, with Berkshire Shadow (33-1) a length back in third.
Pacesetter Mutasaabeq was in front for much of the mile journey, but had nothing in reserve to repel the late challengers.
"It’s an important day for him as he’s done it in America and is a Classic winner in France but to do it here on home soil is a big feather in his cap," said Appleby.
Modern Games is 3-1 with William Hill to race on to Royal Ascot glory in the Queen Anne Stakes, where a Gold Cup mount has emerged for Frankie Dettori.
The firm price up the retiring jockey at 7-1 to take the top prize for the ninth time, riding Ralph Beckett's filly Haskoy. Sent off at 5-2 for the Group Three Al Rayyan Stakes, she stayed on powerfully from an unpromising position for a short-head score.
"I was stuck behind a wall of horses and once I got in the clear she took off," said Dettori, who calls time on his stellar career at the end of the season.
A strong Irish challenge for the French Champion Hurdle was foiled by the home team's Theleme (6-4f).
Willie Mullins' Klassical Dream did best of the Auteuil raiding party in third, a place ahead of Shark Hanlon's bargain buy Hewick.
