I knew in the back straight he was going to run a big race from there on in Winning jockey Richard Hills Photos from Ascot

Trained by Marcus Tregonning, the 5-1 shot hit the front a furlong out under Richard Hills and quickly pulled clear of his rivals to take the Group One prize.

Outsider Rakti (50-1) ran a superb race to take second, two and a half lengths behind, with Islington (7-1) a further length away third.

Godolphin, seeking victory in the race for the fourth year in a row, saw their hopes disappear in the home straight when Moon Ballad, ridden by Frankie Dettori, tired quickly.

Winning jockey Hills was deighted with Nayef's success, saying: "He flew today.

"I know my horse stays real good and I was happy with the pace. I knew in the back straight he was going to run a big race from there on in. I was going so well it was silly waiting.

"We learned a bit from last year. This year we've been patient and let him come and tell us. The boys have done a great job and Marcus is a classic trainer."

Trainer Tregoning said: "It's a great experience to win here. I've always said Ascot is the greatest place to win a horserace and especially this meeting."

"He's really won it emphatically. He's got plenty of speed, so I'm sure he will be well supported when he eventually goes to stud, but not just yet I hope!

He seems to run really well at Ascot, so I wouldn't rule out the King George Nayef's trainer Marcus Tregoning

"We'll discuss it with Sheikh Hamdan of course, but obviously the Eclipse and the King George are serious considerations.

"He seems to run really well at Ascot, so I wouldn't rule out the King George. The Eclipse is a possibility, but the King George very much so, I would say."

Saeed bin Suroor, trainer of Godolphin's two unplaced runners, Moon Ballad and last year's winner Grandera, said: "That was a very disappointing result.

"They both look fine after the race. They are class horses and there will be races for them later in the season."

Dettori knew the writing was on the wall for Moon Ballad some way out.

"He was very fresh - too fresh," said Dettori. "Three furlongs out I knew we were in trouble. But with this race under his belt, I'm sure he will improve."