An epic battle between Quintessential and Manighar in the weight-for-age Eagle Farm Cup had a dramatic aftermath in the stewards' room.

Ridden by Damian Browne, Quintessential ($5.50) fought off a determined challenge from Manighar ($3.20) to win by a short head with Voila Ici ($14) three-quarters-of-a-length away third.

But Manighar's jockey Brad Rawiller protested against Quintessential for interference out of the straight the first time and again during the final 100 metres.

"In the first instance Damian Browne was clearly only a length in front of me and I didn't have any option other than to ease my horse and lose my rightful running," Rawiller said.

"In the straight he's continued to come out which forced me to stop riding with the whip and go back to hands and heels.

"Considering the margin was a short head I felt it's cost me the race."

Browne said he had no bearing on Manighar losing ground in the early part of the race and denied bumping Manighar in the straight.

Stewards deliberated for more than five minutes before dismissing Rawiller's protest.

"We can't be satisfied had those two incidents not have occurred Manighar would've beaten home Quintessential," chief steward Wade Birch said.

"We believe Quintessential is holding a margin quite comfortably on the line and therefore dismiss the protest."

Quintessential's trainer John Sargeant said the mare would attempt to improve on her outstanding Eagle Farm record in next week's Brisbane Cup.

"She grows a leg here and is a great little fighter," he said.

Lights Of Heaven, the $2.80 favourite, was given every chance by jockey Luke Nolen but laboured in the straight to finish fifth.

"She was very one-paced from the start and didn't finish the race off at all," Nolen said.