Sir Alex Ferguson's colt poured on the pace inside the last furlong to beat French-trained filly Banks Hill, a winner at last year's Breeders Cup.

Rock of Gibraltar, from trainer Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle stable, bided his time in the one-mile contest as stablemate and pacemaker Sahara Desert blazed the trail.

But a blistering turn of foot saw off Richard Hughes and Banks Hill by three-quarters-of-a length with Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Gossamer in third.

Manchester United manager Ferguson, who has a half share in the horse, said: "I am extremely happy and this is one of the best days of my life.

"It is difficult to compare this with football as I give the orders, whereas in racing I leave everything to Aidan."

O'Brien's yard has recently been hit by a bout of coughing.

But that did not stop Rock of Gibraltar overhauling Mill Reef's 30-year-old record, which he equalled last month when winning the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

O'Brien said: "Rock Of Gibraltar is probably the best miler I have ever trained and he may take the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (at Ascot later this month) en route to the Breeders' Cup Mile (in Chicago in October).

"He is unlucky not to be unbeaten, as both times (he has lost) circumstances militated against him.

"There can be no doubting he is a truly exceptional talent."