Any suggestions that the new dirt track at Meydan, which was opened at the start of the new season, favoured front runners were laid to rest with the last-to-first win by Tarmarkuz (USA) in the Godolphin Mile sponsored By Meydan Sobha.

In a thrilling finish, Tamarkuz, owned by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and ridden by Paul Hanagan, got up in the last stride to win by a short head over Sloane Avenue (USA) with Free Wheeling(AUS) a length and a half away third.

The place-getters gave the front-running FrankyfourFingers (FR) at least four lengths start at the top of the straight and swamped him in the final 50m.

Considering that Tamarkuz fluffed the start, when he stepped backwards just as the gates opened, it would not have surprised if the US-bred five-year-old had been found wanting in such a tight finish after giving all his rivals a lead, but he kept sticking his nose out and he was the strongest at the finish.

Hanagan admitted he was concerned about conceding the early ground but did not panic and kept on improving through the field.

“He was the strongest on the line and it was great winning one of the big races for ‘the boss’,” Hanagan said.

Tamarkuz is trained by Musabah Al Muhairi, who is the UAE Champion trainer.

There was no doubt the solid pace throughout suited the late finishers and Tamarkuz has now won seven of his 13 starts.

Hanagan said winning a feature race on Dubai World Cup night rated up there with some of his wins in England, including the Oaks.

Among the disappointments in the race was Dark Emerald (IRE), who had gained something of a cult following in the lead up races earlier in the Dubai World Cup Carnival.

Dark Emerald was with the leaders until nearing the home turn when he started to weaken and was virtually pulled out of the race at the top of the straight.