Britain’s champion apprentice Tom Marquand has edged out one of Australia’s best in a close finish at Flemington.

But the visiting rider had to survive a protest from Damien Oliver, a 10-time Melbourne premiership winner.

Tashbeeh lasted to beat Second Bullet by a short-half head in a driving finish to Saturday’s Doriemus Handicap (2000m).

Oliver claimed Marquand pushed Tashbeeh into a run between his horse Second Bullet and the leader Star Rolling at the top of the straight when there was not enough room.

Oliver said it cost him the race but stewards ruled his horse shifted out, leaving a narrow run for Marquand.

Stewards found Marquand brushed Second Bullet and made some contact but it wasn’t enough to uphold the protest.

Marquand’s one-month stay in Australia comes to an end on Friday and he landed his second city win aboard the David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained Tashbeeh.

Tashbeeh sprinted well in the first half of the straight to hit the lead before Oliver lifted Second Bullet who challenged late but missed in a head-bobbing finish.

“It wasn’t the one person I’d choose to be outside us in a tight finish, but the horse I was on was the best horse in the race, I think, and stepping up in trip helped him,” Marquand said.

“And in the finish he was gutsy. So I could do no wrong.

“He’s been a fantastic horse to me. He’s managed to win twice in the short space of time since I’ve been here.”

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au