Globetrotter Highland Reel gave Aidan O’Brien a fourth win in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot as Ryan Moore was rewarded for his bold front-running ride.
Narrowly beaten by the reopposing Dartmouth in the Hardwicke Stakes at last month's Royal meeting, the four-year-old was a well-backed 13-8 favourite to gain his revenge.
Moore dictated matter from the off, establishing a clear lead racing down the back straight before giving his mount a breather, which allowed the chasing pack to bridge the gap.
Highland Reel remained in front turning for home, however, and answered Moore's every call to score by a length and a quarter from 4-1 shot Wings of Desire.
Moore said of the winner: "He's a very good horse and won in America and Hong Kong.
"It's a marvellous achievement from Aidan to get him back in this shape to win this sort of race.
"He's a very strong horse. He's very professional - he knows how to race."
Ryan Moore makes all on Aidan O'Brien's HIGHLAND REEL in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot. https://t.co/X1mPkRABod
— Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) July 23, 2016
O'Brien was typically reticent to commit his charge to a specific target, but said: "The horse has been progressing all the time and we couldn't be happier.
"Ryan gave him a beautiful ride.
"This is an incredible horse. As everyone knows, he travels the world and he's getting better, which is amazing.
"Physically, the development is plain and, mentally, he's a rock.
"He can go back to Australia, he can do Japan, Hong Kong and there's the Breeders' Cup Turf.
"He's an amazing horse and has so many options."
Dante winner and Derby fourth Wings of Desire was the only three-year-old in the field and ran an excellent race to fill the runner-up spot.
Hugo Lascelles, racing manager to owner-breeder Carole Bamford, said: "He ran a really good race. He has come on from the Derby and the ground was more in his favour.
"I am really proud of him. Frankie (Dettori) thought he was going to get to Highland Reel but he just out-galloped him to the line.
"That was only the fifth run of his life and the third was a fair way behind so you have got to be encouraged. There is more to come from him, physically.
"We might look at the Juddmonte International or the Prix Niel and we can think of the Breeders' Cup at the end of the year as well.
"He will remain in training next year."
Having already provided Britain’s Queen II with a Royal Ascot winner in the year of her 90th birthday, Dartmouth was bidding to become the first horse since Aureole in 1954 to carry the royal colours to King George glory.
Leading French jockey Olivier Peslier rode a patient race on the supplemented runner, who stayed on into third without ever threatening to challenge the front two.
