Tullius wins a thriller in Epsom Teak-tough veteran Tullius claimed a narrow victory after a pulsating three-way finish to the Investec Diomed Stakes at Epsom. With last year's winner Arod a late withdrawal on account of the rain-softened ground, the Andrew Balding-trained Tullius was the 5-2 favourite to secure an 11th career victory in the hands of regular partner Jimmy Fortune. Custom Cut made much of the running in the eight-and-a-half-furlong Group Three and kicked from the home bend in an attempt to draw the sting out of his rivals. However, the patiently-ridden pair of Tullius and Decorated Knight covered the move to set up a grandstand finish. Custom Cut refused to bend, but was headed close home by both Tullius and Decorated Knight, with the former winning the argument by a short head. Fortune said: "He's a wonderful little horse and he's won me numerous Listed and Group races. He's always tried his heart out and I don't think he's ever run a bad race. "I thought I was beat half a furlong out and put my stick down and then he ran on again." Balding said; "He's a great horse and Jimmy was superb on him, they've forged a great relationship and they've both still got it. "I thought he was beaten and the visor just helped him find another neck when he needed it. The right result for us, anyway. "Older horses like him are key, it's great to have runners on days like today and older horses are the ones who run. "Economic reasons mean you have to sell from time to time but luckily we've managed to hang on to him having sold others. I'm thrilled to have kept him for so long." Roger Charlton, trainer of the second, said: "He's run a good race and I'm pleased but it would have been nice if he could have won, being that close. "We'll have a look for a Group Three or Group Two next." Jason Kelly, David O'Meara's assistant, said of Custom Cut: "We're delighted on the back of his run in Ireland. The ground conditions suited but ultimately the 5lb penalty just caught us out in the dying strides. "He won the Boomerang Mile last year and that is his big target again but we'll find a race or two between now and then. He loses his 5lb penalty at the end of August."
