Discreet Cat was 23 lengths behind the winner Invasor, a horse he had beaten in the UAE Derby at the same meeting last year, but a thorough medical examination has unearthed a problem.

Godolphin’s racing manager Simon Crisford explained: “He was scoped in the week before the race so the problem has materialised in the 48 hours coming up to the race.

“He basically has an aggressive throat abscess which is clearly causing great discomfort and he is on a course of anti-biotics.

“Breathing would have been difficult during the race which explains his performance.”

Discreet Cat won each of his three starts in America last term, culminating in victory in the Cigar Mile, and a return trip is still on the agenda.

“The plan remains for him to go back to America to continue his career. Obviously it is disappointing he was beaten but at least we know there was a reason for it,” Crisford added.

A statement on www.godolphin.com further elaborated the details of the Forestry colt’s complaint.

“Following Discreet Cat’s disappointing performance in the Dubai World Cup last night, he has undergone a complete veterinary check at Al Quoz Stables this morning,” read the statement.

“This included an endoscopic examination of his respiratory tract, which revealed an obstructive granulomatous mass within his throat, in addition to significant swelling of the underlying throat wall, as a result of an infective process.

“In the opinion of the Godolphin veterinary surgeons, this would have affected his performance, firstly by physically obstructing the airflow into his throat and lungs, and secondly by causing him significant discomfort.

“He is now undergoing appropriate treatment and assessments.”