Kevin Ryan and Neil Callan tasted victory at the highest level for the first time when they teamed up with Amadeus Wolf in the Shadwell Stud Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket.
The Hambleton trainer and his jockey have formed a highly-successful partnership over the last two years and this Group One win was the highlight for the duo.
Ryan, who is enjoying his best season with 69 winners, has always held Amadeus Wolf in high regard and nominated this contest as his next target after his fine win in the Gimcrack Stakes at York in August.
On that occasion he defeated Red Clubs by a length and a half when he was in receipt of 5lb from the runner-up, and it was Barry Hills' youngster who once again proved the main threat to Ryan's charge.
The field was reduced to six following the withdrawals of Art Museum with a vets certificate, Classic Encounter due to the rain-softened ground and Guest Connections, who was unruly in the stalls.
Once under way it was Always Hopeful who took them along at a good clip, chased by Amadeus Wolf and Red Clubs with the slow-starting 2-1 favourite Ivan Denisovich - trained by Aidan O'Brien - towards the rear.
Callan always appeared confident on the winner and he booted the 4-1 shot into the lead over a furlong out. He was strongly pressed by Red Clubs but ultimately he proved too strong and landed the £98,600 first prize by a length and a quarter from his old rival.
Always Hopeful was a further two lengths back in third, with Ivan Denisovich next followed by Prince Of Light and Johnny Alpha.
The win earned Amadeus Wolf quotes for the 2000 Guineas ranging from 20-1 with totesport to 33-1 with William Hill, and Ryan is keen to have a crack at the Classic back at Newmarket next spring.