Dubai Millennium turned in a breathtaking performance to run away with the £250,000 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot today.
The four-year-old colt, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, spreadeagled his field in the Group One feature over 10 furlongs with an amazing display of front-running.
Despite being opposed in the market and replaced as favourite by Sendawar (6-5), Dubai Millennium (5-4) ran his rivals ragged coming home eight lengths clear of the German raider Sumitas (66-1) with Beat All (14-1) a further half-length away third.
As expected, Dubai Millennium went off in front but set only a steady pace in the early stages.
In a six-horse race that was hailed as a match between Dubai Millennium and the French colt Sendawar, Godolphin's runner held a two-length lead over his main rival in the early stages with the others six lengths and more adrift.
But American jockey Jerry Bailey, replacing the injured Frankie Dettori, gradually increased the tempo.
He had stretched his lead to four lengths half a mile from home and continued to pull clear in the straight to give Bailey a memorable first success in Europe.
Sendawar's effort petered out in the final furlong and the Aga Khan's colt eventually trailed in fourth.
Sheikh Mohammed, the founder of the Godolphin operation, said: "Since my knowing about horses began, until now, I have never known a horse like this."
Asked about the uncertainties that led him to drift in the betting, he replied: "I heard and I was laughing inside. I knew that there is no horse like this horse. Sometimes the 'experts' go beyond their knowledge."
Bailey confirmed the view that the winner is the best horse in the world at present.
"I haven't seen anything on the other side of the pond that could touch him," said the New Yorker.
"Sheikh Mohammed said to let him have his head and that he would settle.
"My only decision was when I did the flying dismount. If I landed on Frankie's ankle he would be out for another six months!
"But this is Frankie's mount, I'm just pleased to have had the ride."
Dettori, who watched the race from the stands, gushed: "I've no words to spare, it brings tears to my eyes.
"They said this race was just a match but in our heart of hearts, we knew this would be a one-horse race."
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