Viking Heart was the beneficiary of a dual protest in the Horizon Superannuation Services Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Viking Heart ($5) was beaten a short neck when second past the post but jockey Ric McMahon protested against the winner Micken ($7) for interference at the 1600-metre mark.

That protest was dismissed but an objection by fourth placegetter Empress Me ($9) against Micken for a separate incident at the 500-metre mark was upheld.

As a result, stewards declared Viking Heart the winner from Big Wheels, backed from $8.50 to $4.60 favouritism. Empress Me was promoted to third.

Micken was relegated to fourth.

Empress Me's rider, apprentice Priscilla Schmidt, said Micken, ridden by Michelle Payne, had tightened her mount approaching the home turn.

"She took my rightful running at a vital stage and I had no choice but to come back and follow her into the straight," Schmidt said.

"Had the interference not taken place I would've been able to make my run to her inside as I was entitled to."

Steward Daniel Aurisch said the interference suffered by Empress Me exceeded the half length margin between the two horses at the finish and upheld Schmidt's protest.

Aurisch told Viking Heart's jockey Ric McMahon the degree of interference he suffered didn't warrant the protest being upheld.

"We believe your mount has had every opportunity to beat Micken home and has been unable to do so," he said.

AAP TURF sjr/