Enigmatic French import Auvray continued his recent resurgence with victory in Saturday's Group III Colin Stephen Quality (2400m) but not before surviving an objection in the stewards' room.
One of only five runners contesting the $150,000 race, Auvray ($3.20) prevailed in a thrilling three-way battle with Broadside ($2.70 fav) and Admiral Jello ($4) down the Rosehill straight.
Head on vision of the race revealed that Auvray had encroached on Admiral Jello's line of running on multiple occasions over the final 300m and with the winning margin only a short-head, connections of the runner-up lodged a protest.
Trainer Kris Lees told stewards that the lack of room available to Admiral Jello at a crucial stage of the staying journey had detracted from his horse's momentum.
"We're talking about stayers at the end of a mile and half," Lees said.
Whilst stewards acknowledged there was some interference between the pair, it was deemed insufficient to reverse the result, with the placings standing and Broadside finishing a further half-neck away in third.
Following an indifferent start to his career in Australia 18 months ago, Auvray has shown his undeniable talent under the tutelage of Richard Freedman, following unsuccessful stints with two other trainers in New South Wales and Victoria.
The seven-year-old gelding has now won two of his last three starts, and is set to have his next run in the re-introduced ATC St Leger (2600m) at Randwick on October 14, worth $500,000.
