Frankie Dettori was third on Dubawi.

Murtagh, who was landing his third win in the race a Sinndar (2000) and High Chaparral (2002), had the son of Montjeu in the perfect position throughout.

He was always travelling supremely well on the shoulder of long-time leader Hattan and was cantering turning for home.

Murtagh pressed the button two furlongs out and the response was instant as he soon quickened clear.

Dettori gave chase, but it was in vain as the winner streaked away to maintain his unbeaten record with a five-length success from Walk In The Park.

Dubawi was another three lengths away, with Fracas fourth.

It was a dream result for Murtagh, who nearly missed the ride when he picked up a three-day suspension that would have ruled him out of the race. Crucially, the ban was cut to two days on appeal.

A delighted Murtagh told BBC Sport: “It doesn’t sink in until you get home but it was easier than the others.

“We didn’t go that fast but he was always travelling really well and when I let him go at the two marker he just took off.

“It all went quiet – I had a little peak round half a furlong down and I couldn’t believe how far I was in front.

“It was very easy and he’s a very high-class horse. The ideal position to be in around here is third or fourth and when I let him go he quickened up really well and put the race beyond doubt very quickly.

“The horse has improved 100 per cent from the Dante and the way he behaved today I think there is more to come.”

Bell said: “This was for Harry (Herbert, racing manager for the owners) and the team. There was a quote in the paper today that it was a privilege to have this horse, and that’s what it is.

“We are so lucky to have him. For us, a relatively small team, to have a horse of this quality and not to make a mess of it is just fantastic.

“He got a beautiful position early on and it all went so well. Early on you could call him the winner.

“He’s looked a true champion at home, he’s looked a true champion at the races. There have been a few doubters beforehand and rightly so, but he’s proved today he is a champion.

“Obviously the next stage is Ireland (Irish Derby) and then we’ll review it, but this is the day we’ve talked about from when he won the Racing Post Trophy.

“He’s won like we hoped he would do.”

Herbert said: “Unbelievable. This is the most exciting thing. For anyone in racing this is what you dream of doing. I cannot thank Michael and his team enough. They have left no stone unturned.

“He’s got the horse here looking a million dollars. He’s kept him calm and he’s won like a true champion. It’s a dream for 230 owners, plus management, plus the trainer – a great moment.”

Herbert’s brother-in-law, bloodstock agent John Warren, who bought the horse at Tattersalls Sales for 75,000 guineas, added: “This is what all dreams are about. You are always on the lookout for horses of this calibre at the sales.

“He was always cruising. At no moment was there ever any anxiety.

“He’s overcome all the fears we had about his temperament and the whole build-up was amazing.”

French-based John Hammond, trainer of the runner-up, said: “I’m delighted with that – it was a super run. He got a peach of a ride and he was beaten by a very good horse on the day.”

Asked if he would be prepared to take on Motivator again, he replied: “We will have to – we have to keep him honest!”

Walk In The Park’s jockey Alan Munro added: “I got a really good kick up the straight. He got a good run up the inside, switched outside, and then produced great acceleration.

“But he was beaten by a good horse.”

Godolphin founder Sheikh Mohammed said of Dubawi: “He’ll go for the St James’s Palace. He doesn’t stay – he’s a miler.”

His trainer Saeed Bin Suroor said: “He ran a huge race to finish third. He just doesn’t stay and we’ll drop him back in distance.

“He was a little keen early on and he will be better over a shorter distance.”

Both the winner and runner-up were sired by Montjeu from his first crop.