Heavy Metal was worth his weight in gold with a powerful effort to win the Group 2 $1 million Godolphin Mile sponsored by Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum City – District One.

It was the first victory for trainer Sandeep Jadhav, who stepped in for Salem bin Ghadayer and saddled the 8-year-old son of Exceed And Excel for owner Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum.

Leaving from post nine under Ryan Moore, Heavy Metal burst to the lead as defending champion Second Summer, one of four entrants for leading trainer Doug Watson, missed the break. Heavy Metal was pushed hard to keep the lead under pressure throughout from a second Watson trainee Kimbear and the Japanese raider Adirato.

Moore kept to task with Heavy Metal as the field turned for home and put away a stubborn Kimbear with plenty in the tank to hold off a late rush from yet another Watson runner, Muntazah, to notch the two-length win. Adirato stayed on for third. Heavy Metal stopped the clock in 1:36.21

Jadhav was all smiles following the popular victory.

“He had a really nice trip. Heavy Metal is a dream horse for the yard. He fought to the winning line and then we all went crazy” Jadhav said. “It’s out of this world, a dream come true.”

Moore felt confident throughout despite the pressured trip.

“We worked hard to get the lead through the first quarter but then he settled and travelled well for me in front. I was able to fill him up before the turn and into the straight I knew it would take a very big effort to get past me,” Moore said. “It appears a big advantage to be in front on this track and it played to his strengths. He is a terrifically consistent horse.”

The order of finish was completed by Musawaat, Rosa Imperial, Kimbear, Economic Model, Raven’s Corner, Special Fighter, Secret Ambition, Second Summer, Shamaal Nibras, Capezzano and Akito Crescent.