Mecca's Angel completed her ascension from handicap performer to top-class sprinter with a running-on success in a dramatic Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
Although the race was delayed after Take Cover escaped from the stalls, it had no effect on the Michael Dods-trained 15-2 shot as she wore down 13-8 favourite Acapulco to record a two-length success in the Group One contest over five furlongs.
Mattmu (12-1) was the same distance back in third, with two-time winner Sole Power (8-1) finishing fourth.
"It's been well worth the wait. We'd kept taking her out," said Dods of the winner.
"We went to Ascot and we thought we had a chance of winning, but we took her out because of the ground. We took her to Ireland and I wished I'd hadn't run her on the ground.
"It was too quick and I wasn't happy with her for a few days, but credit to the yard. Everyone got her right.
"Last week I didn't think she'd get her conditions, but thankfully the rain came. I think she will be better with more juice than there was here, but it was fine and I was never going to take her out - she's shown what she can do when she has her conditions.
"She wasn't expensive - about £16,000. It's great for David Metcalfe (owner) and the whole yard.
"It's our first Group One winner, it's marvellous. Let's see where we go now, probably the Abbaye if she gets her conditions and we might keep her in training for another year."
"She's in the Flying Five (Curragh, 13 September) and if conditions were right she might go there before the Abbaye" - Michael Dods on the future plans for Mecca's Angel
The mood in the Dods camp had been sombre beforehand as yard member Shane Cuddy had sustained pelvic injuries after taking a tumble on the gallops, having to be airlifted to hospital.
Dods said: "We had a terrible day on Thursday. We had a lad injured on the gallops and he had to be airlifted to hospital. He has pelvic injuries, but we don't know the extent of those yet. Everyone was down, but hopefully this will give everyone a lift.
"It's great for the north and to beat those Americans. This horse beat us (with Easton Angel) at Ascot and I thought it was going to happen again, but then I saw our horse mow her down.
"She's easy to train and doesn't need a lot of work. She had a canter on Saturday and that was that.
"I think she might get further, but we'll keep her to five. She's in the Flying Five (Curragh, 13 September) and if conditions were right she might go there before the Abbaye. She wont run anywhere if conditions aren't right."
An emotional Metcalfe said: "He gave her such a fantastic ride it was untrue. He didn't panic and just came through."
Mulrennan said: "That's my first Group One winner and to do it at York is special. It's great for Michael, too.
"It's very special to do it here, it's our local track and we've told people all year how good she is.
"She's proved today she's the real deal when she can get her toe in.
"I got a great lead off the American horse, I always had my eye on her.
"Because the American horse had such a low weight I didn't want to give too much rope.
"To do it here, the place I lost my claim, and for Michael, who has been a big supporter, is extra special."
Acapulco's trainer Wesley Ward was gracious in defeat.
He said: "She's a lovely filly and has done everything right. To come over (to Britain) twice, I think it was an amazing run. I think the ground was a little soft today. It was something she's not quite used to. We got beat, no excuses.
"It would have been great to win, but I'm very proud of her.
"I'll talk with everybody at Coolmore. She's got a big future in front of her.
"She's got a world of speed and there are big days for her in the future."
Tim Easterby said of Mattmu: "He's run a cracker, but they just had a bit too much pace for him. He'll go for the Sprint Cup at Haydock."
Eddie Lynam said of Sole Power: "He's run a blinder and Frankie (Dettori) loved him, he's in at Haydock and the Flying Five, but his next proper race will be in Dubai."
Martin Harley, who steered Goldream into fifth place, was given a two-day ban (4 and 6 September) for using his whip above the permitted level.
