Jan Brueghel beat Aidan O’Brien stablemate Illinois by a neck to claim the Irish trainer’s eighth victory in the St Leger.

Jockey Sean Levey said he was able to “pop” Jan Brueghel in front “when it mattered” in a thrilling finish to the world’s oldest classic race.

Illinois, ridden by Wayne Lordan, just lost out to the fellow joint 11-4 favourite, while there was a steward’s inquiry over the third and fourth placings.

Deira Mile, a 28-1 chance, was next home, ahead of Sunway at 11-2, but those placings were reversed following the inquiry after the two horses came together in the finishing straight.

Levey backed Jan Brueghel, who is unbeaten in four starts, to be a future Gold Cup winner following his strong finish at Doncaster in the fifth and final classic of the flat season.

“We knew the track would suit and the trip would suit – he feels exceptional at that distance,” added Levey.

“I fired my shot and was just able to pop him in front when it mattered.

“Maybe a Gold Cup horse in the making.”

Winning trainer O’Brien had three horses in the seven-strong field, with his other runner, Grosvenor Square, coming home fifth.

But he was not at the track, with the Irish Champion Stakes taking place at Leopardstown on the same day.

His horse, Auguste Rodin, finished second in that race, behind 7-4 favourite Economics.

O’Brien, speaking from Leopardstown, said: “Sean Levey gave the winner a great ride. I’m delighted and it was a great run; the three of them ran great races.”