State Of Rest (outside) and Anamoe fighting out the closing stages of the Cox Plate (Image: Racing Photos)
Joseph O'Brien joined his legendary father Aidan O'Brien as winning trainer of the Cox Plate as State of Rest survived a protest from Anamoe to controversially win the $5m G1 Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on Saturday.
Ridden by Irishman John Allen, State of Rest ($7.50) defeated Anamoe ($3.60 equal favourite) by a short head. Verry Elleegant ($3.60 equal favourite) came from last and swooped around the outside of the field to finish third.
Craig Williams signaled his intention to protest aboard Anamoe upon immediately dismounting for interference suffered aboard Anamoe inside the final 200 metres.
State of Rest moved into the lead before the home turn and then rolled in towards the running rail, bumping Anamoe halfway down the straight.
However, after a lengthy period of deliberation, Racing Victoria stewards maintained their finishing order.
"It's unbelievable. Today is nothing but a true reflection of what it took to get this horse here today," O'Brien's travelling foreman Mark Power said.
"Johnny Allen was super on him, you won't get stronger than him inside the last 200 metres from Johnny there."
"It's been on Joseph's agenda to win this race, ever since Adelaide's win," Power added, referring to Aidan O'Brien's Cox Plate winner in 2014.
WATCH: State Of Rest's Cox Plate win