Closing the Golden Slipper Day meeting at Rosehill this afternoon was the Group 3 NE Manion Cup (2400m), a perfect lead-up race for the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 11 for all ten runners.

Permit wins the NE Manion Cup for the second time. Photo by Steve Hart.

Phrases took up running on the rails while Diametric was unhappy with the speed, taking up the front position ahead of Permit and Faust.

The Chris Waller-trained Diametric extended his lead by two lengths at the 1500 metres and the first four remained the same for much of the race until they all came into it at the turn from home.

Permit and Bagman were going stride for stride with nothing in it however Permit managed to kick on at just the right time to win ahead of his stablemate while the Bindi Cheers-trained Phrases nabbed third place after coming up the inside.

It truly was a last minute redemption for Permit, who was set to be retired following the 2015 NE Manion Cup after running tenth in his two last starts. However his win today is sure to keep him running for the foreseeable future.

The NE Manion Cup really is Permit’s ideal race – he won it two years ago, ran second last year, and returned to the winner’s circle again today.

Waller saddled a total of four horses in the race, enjoying both the win and third placing. It took him all day but he finally entered the winner’s enclosure.

“Being down in the weights was the big thing, he’s been a great horse for the stable and today was going to be his last race,” the trainer revealed.

“We’re yet to decide whether to run on but it’ll be discussed on Monday when the water settles.

“He’s a terrific horses to us and I think he’s earned another run.”

Tommy Berry delivered to winning ride, after taking out the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) earlier in the day with Vancouver.

Permit was a $19 shot in the NE Manion Cup betting at Ladbrokes.com.au, offering his backers a brilliant payout.

2015 NE Manion Cup Results