Dynever finished second, with Choctaw Nation third and the Gerard Butler-trained Jack Sullivan running a terrific race in fourth.

The 11-8 market leader was always handily placed as South African raider Yard-Arm set a fast pace.

Several of the 12 runners were soon struggling to keep up, but Roses In May was always travelling comfortably and it was only a matter of time before Velazquez pressed the button.

He made a decisive move by pushing his mount into the lead a long way out.

Darryll Holland was the first to respond on Jack Sullivan, but the Blewbury contender had nothing more to give in the final furlong and nothing could catch Roses In May, who galloped on strongly to earn £1,562,500 for his connections.

Velazquez said: “I couldn’t take the lead early on. He didn’t break very well, so I had to bide my time a little bit until he was comfortable.

“Winning the world’s richest race means the world to me.”

And an emotional Romans added: “It’s the most exciting thing that has happened to me in a long time. I’m very proud.”

It was a fifth victory in 10 runnings of the race for horses trained in America.

After Jack Sullivan’s valiant effort, which earned over £280,000, a delighted Butler said: “Two and a half furlongs out I thought it was going to be our day, but he didn’t stay the trip.

“He’s a dirt horse and we won’t be messing around with him on turf this season. His target will be the Breeders’ Cup. If Lingfield were to put on a race on the sand for him, then we might use that as a trial, but I’d be happy going to Belmont without a run if we needed to.

“I’m so pleased for the owners and for Darryll, who gave him a brilliant ride.”