Irish-trained Man of Iron has won the $500,000 Breeders' Cup Marathon.

After a mile and 3/4 of the first of 14 Breeders' Cup championship races this weekend at Santa Anita, only a nose separated the 9-year-old gelding Cloudy's Knight and 3-year-old colt Man of Iron.

Man of Iron won by a nose, with 7-5 favorite Mastery another 2 1/4 lengths back in third.

Gangbuster finished more than 11 lengths back in fourth; 2008 Marathon winner Muhannak finished fifth.

Man of Iron ($14.80) is another son of good synthetic sire Giant's Causeway. Aiden O'Brien trains the winner; John Murtagh rode.

Man of Iron has won 4 of 10 starts.