Trainer Richard Fahey combined with jockey Tony Hamilton and owner Dr Marwan Koukash to win the Betway Lincoln at Doncaster for a second time in four years as 12-1 shot Gabrial scored by a neck in the traditional opener to the British Flat season.
Fahey achieved a lifetime ambition when Brae Hill was successful in 2011, and this year he had two runners, with last year's sixth Gabrial's Kaka, also owned by Koukash, the better fancied of the pair.
But as a previous Listed race winner and well handicapped on his old form, it was Gabrial who produced the goods.
David O'Meara's French import Mondialiste (25-1) broke away with a furlong to run but when Hamilton extricated himself from a pocket, Gabrial quickened up smartly to win with a degree of authority.
The wayward Moohaarib (12-1) was third, with What About Carlo (20-1) fourth and the well-backed Mange All (13-2) fifth.
"When I started off in racing I always wanted to win the big handicaps, Cesarewitch, Ayr Gold Cup and the Lincoln," said Koukash.
"When I first met Richard I asked what race he would like to win the most and he said it was this one.
"Now we've done it twice so I'm delighted."
Fahey said: "They raced in a very tight pack and I wasn't sure he was going to get out in time.
"Tony said he always felt like he was going to win.
"The only reason he was running over further last year was because after Mount Athos got injured Marwan wanted a Melbourne Cup horse but he (Gabrial) didn't stay.
"He's a Listed winner and while I doubt he's getting better, we'll hatch a plan and see where we go, I presume it will be Chester (Koukash's local track)."
Koukash was quick to respond, saying: "He'll go to the Huxley Stakes over 10 furlongs at Chester."
The Betway Spring Mile, for horses who failed to make the cut for the Lincoln, was won impressively by Alan King's Chatez (14-1) after a spell hurdling.
Winning jockey Fergus Sweeney said: "He looked a hurdler to follow early on but lost his way a bit and then had a wind op and it's obviously worked."
Tullius was sent off the 1-2 favourite to win Betway Doncaster Mile but had to work hard for the victory.
Having been placed in the Lincoln off top weight 12 months ago, Andrew Balding's likeable chestnut finished second to Olympic Glory in the Lockinge at Newbury and that race could again be on his agenda.
Sam Hoskins, racing manager for owners Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds, said: "I think we'll go for the Gordon Richards at Sandown next on 24 April and see if he stays 10 furlongs.
"He'll have an entry in the Lockinge and we'll also consider the Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp, but it comes down to how he performs at Sandown.
"There's also the Singapore International Cup to consider but he's unlikely to get his ground."
Naadirr (5-1) looks booked for a big summer after running out a very impressive winner of the Betway Cammidge Trophy.
Having signed off last season with a Listed win at York, he was giving weight to all bar one of his rivals, yet despite meeting trouble in running he sprinted clear to beat Astaire by a length and a quarter.
Jockey Martin Harley said: "He's a much bigger and stronger horse this year.
"When he got the gap he quickened up like a very good horse."
A year ago Silvestre de Sousa won the Dubai World Cup with African Story and while the victory of Ravenhoe (7-2) in the Betway Brocklesby Conditions Stakes was not as lucrative, it could be just as pivotal in the jockey's career.
Before De Sousa took up his position as former stable jockey for Godolphin, he had a fruitful partnership with Mark Johnston and it appears the Middleham man will be calling on his services once more.
Johnston's son, Charlie, said: "It's been well documented we've got a different make-up to the yard this season as we've got 130 two-year-olds in (training).
"To win with the first one is fantastic."
A few minutes later, Johnston's second juvenile runner of the season, Rah Rah, also won at Kempton and Buratino made it three out of three at Chelmsford.