Stradivarius was given an almighty scare before landing a fourth Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup over 3200m on Tuesday.

Frankie Dettori was desperately looking for racing room two furlongs out with Nayef Road and Santiago battling for supremacy at the head of the field.

The 4-7 favourite was finally able to find daylight on the inside of Eagles By Day and had a clear shot at the front.

It took him a while to engage top gear but he found it in time to hit the front 50m from the finish and beat Nayef Road (20-1) by a length.

Dettori told ITV Racing: “What a horse. He’s given 15 pounds (7.5kg) away, everyone rode to beat me and he still gets out and wins. He’s an amazing horse and what he’s done is break records. Well done to Bjorn Nielsen his owner and breeder.

“I go from a superstar mare in Enable to this champion horse in three days. It’s the stuff of dreams. I just had to be patient and when you have good horses the gap will come. I’ve been in that position before and it’s not nice to be there but we got out.”

Trainer John Gosden added: “He looked like he was boxed in but the key thing is if you’re tracking a horse like Santiago trying to concede 15 pounds (7.5kg) you don’t look to attack two-and-a-half (500m) or three furlongs (600m) down and get into a real slog.

“Nayef Road ran a blinder again but I think it was the right thing to wait. It was a great performance under that weight. He has a great heart, is very cool and relaxed. Mr Nielsen and I have discussed it and he will run in the Prix Foy next and then be aimed at the Arc.”

Betfair and Paddy Power cut the winner to 14/1 from 20s for the ParisLongchamp feature.

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