Firebreak repeats Godolphin Mile triumph

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Firebreak successfully defended his title in the $1 million Godolphin Mile, easily beating the American duo of Excessivepleasure and During.

Ridden by Frankie Dettori, Firebreak stalked pacesetter During and Estimraar until early stretch and pulled clear to win by 4 1/2 lengths. He was timed in 1:35.82.

Tropical Star rallied from sixth to finish second, 2 3/4 lengths in front of Excessivepleasure. During faded to finish sixth of nine, beaten 11 3/4 lengths.

Excessivepleasure broke a length slow and stalked the pace to early stretch.

"We tried to settle behind them and improvise from there," jockey Jon Court said. "He got up for third, and that's a good paycheck."

Excessivepleasure earned $100,000 for owners Ty and Lee Leatherman and trainer Doug O'Neill. Excessivepleasure, 4, has won 5 of 14 starts and $1,021,382

Firebreak is owned by the Maktoum family's Godolphin Racing, and had lost all three of his starts since the 2003 Godolphin Mile. Firebreak, 5, will be sent to England in coming weeks, but could race on dirt in the United States later this year, according to Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.