Veteran Persian Punch took his career earnings past the �1m-mark after landing a dramatic win in Newmarket's Jockey Club Cup on Saturday. The 10-year-old was roared home by a rapturous crowd as he clawed back the lead to triumph in the two-mile race.
"It's a very special day because he has won a million in prize money," said trainer David Elsworth.
"That is not such a rare thing these days, but he has had to win 20 races to do it."
Persian Punch had adopted his usual tactic, building up a massive lead over his rivals but he was headed down two furlongs out and slipped back to fourth.
He looked well beaten by Pat Eddery's mount Millenary but Martin Dwyer asked his charge to dig deep and he came back at Millenary, snatching victory by a short-head.
"It is beautiful, wonderful day," added Elsworth. "It is becoming almost theatrical. "I think, in order to give all his resources, he does need the motivation of competition. When others challenge him it spurs him on even further.
"It's Champions' Day and he is a champion, that's for sure.
"He will go home now for a few weeks and then we will bring him back after Christmas and we will go from there."
Persian Punch's victory at Newmarket follows up his triumph in the Doncaster Cup - a race he dominated, winning by eight lengths. The Jeff Smith-owned horse is already the leading earner among British-trained geldings and he has now also equalled the record for the most Group wins in Europe.
Persian Punch's Jockey Club Cup triumph was his 13th Group-race win - a record he now shares with Brigadier Gerard, Ardross and Acatenango.
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We will bring him back after Christmas and go from there 
