When the Godolphin colt approached the start he shied away from another horse and dislodged Dettori before galloping loose to the mile start, only to be quickly retrieved.

When the race began five minutes late Dettori soon had the easy-to-back 4-1 chance in pole position and it is to his credit that he managed to force Nightfall’s head back in front after being collared by Moth Ball.

Dettori gave a victory salute to the crowd as he returned to unsaddle and after treating them to one of his flying dismounts, said: “I’m glad I did it on Nightfall because I didn’t want any extra pressure on Doyen when he runs in the King George.

“This country has treated me like one of its own children in the 18 years I’ve lived here and I think this was a most appropriate place for it to happen.”

Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor has no definite plans for the winner, but said: “He was carrying a lot of condition and will improve for the run. I shall be looking at a better race for him.”

The 7-2 favourite Prince Samos showed good speed until weakening inside the final furlong, while the third home Hallhoo spoiled his chance by running green and was short of room at a crucial time.