FAILED Approach, trained by Braidwood's Aaron Clarke, took out the 1425m 2015 Batemans Bay Cup in front of last year's winner Baldovino and race favourite Jacakaizane.
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Jacakaizane and Failed Approach dueled in the final straight and the favourite looked to be the winner until the final 50 metres.
In a photo finish Failed Approach, ridden by Richard Bensley, finished ahead of the fast-finishing Baldovino by a neck and Jacakaizane by 0.4 of a length.
Post-race, Clarke said he was was rapt the four-year-old gelding had won another country cup, after winning the Braidwood Cup in February.
He didn't realise how close the finish was and complimented Bensley for hanging on.
"It was a tough race, I might need to watch the replay," Clarke said.
"He (Failed Approach) was primed for today; it's a bonus (to win).
"Richard is a good jockey, a good bloke and always does his best."
Moruya trainers Chicka Pearson, John Peiti and John Marzol each won a race while the rest of the eight-card meeting was taken out by visiting trainers.
Jockey Roly Saxton rode Pearson's Painted Warrior in the race one win and Greg Stephens' Baldovino in the cup.
