The 11-4 favourite Distinction held on bravely to capture the Lady O Goodwood Cup, Thursday's feature race. The six-year-old, ridden by Michael Kinane, had to work hard to hold off the challenge of Golden Quest, a winner at the course on Tuesday.
Once Kinane took his mount into the lead with a half a mile to go, he looked set for victory and he managed to stay on for the win.
Golden Quest ran on superbly with Millenary back in third.
Hearthstead Wings and and Tungsten Strike set a strong early pace but Distinction, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, who was second in the Ascot Gold Cup last month, was always travelling well.
"I knew he would stay the distance but late on he pulled it out and in the last five strides he found a bit extra to win," said Kinane.
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute confirmed that the Melbourne Cup could again be on the agenda for the gelding, who finished sixth in the race last year.
"He handled soft ground in the Melbourne Cup but this is different - it is sticky and I was worried as he goes so well on firm ground," he said.
"Things can go wrong but he is certainly a suitable type for the race, as he proved last year.
"He just got a little bit far back in Australia, it was unfortunate, but he came out of the race with a lot of credit and he deserves to have another shot."
Goodwood Cup (2m)
1. Distinction (MJ Kinane) 11-4f
2. Golden Quest (J Fanning) 8-1
3. Millenary (T Quinn) 8-1
10 ran. Dist: nk, 8
MMIX
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