FACTEUR Cheval sprang something of a surprise victory for France in the Dubai Turf, gaining a short-head verdict from the Japanese challenger Namur.

The consistent Danon Beluga took third, just ahead of Godolphin’s Measured Time and another Japanese regular, Do Deuce.

Lord North, seeking a fourth win in the race for the Gosdens, was only eighth under Frankie Dettori, a place ahead of stable companion Nashwa, who ran well for a long way from a bad draw under Hollie Doyle.

Aidan O’Brien’s Luxembourg raced prominently under Ryan Moore but was weakening when hampered by a faller in the closing stages and finished 14th, two places behind stable companion Cairo.

Trained by Jerome Reynier near Marseille, Facteur Cheval carried the colours of the American-based syndicate Team Valor and was ridden by Maxime Guyon.

The five-year-old Ribchester gelding was bred in Co Down by the McCracken family and was sold as a foal in Newmarket for 145,000gns.

He was placed in four European Group 1s last year, chasing home the likes of Paddington and Big Rock, but this was a big ask on his first run since October and on ground thought to be a bit quicker than ideal for him.

“He’s a great champion,” Guyon said. “We didn’t know how he would handle the faster ground because he is more used to racing on soft and heavy surfaces but you can see how well he did.

“He gave me a really great turn of foot and really wanted to fight to the line. I didn’t want to go too early because he’s been running over a mile and was stepping up in trip slightly, for all that I think he’ll stay 10 furlongs.

“I always had this thought at the back of my mind that it was his first run of the year and it was further than he’s been running over. But I never felt like he would crack.”

Reynier, who continues to climb the training ranks, added: “It’s just amazing, I have no words. You know 16 years ago we were here with [Darley] Flying Start and that was at Nad Al Sheba. I see a horse here that has been prepared the best way possible by Gregory [Davignon, work rider] and it’s just amazing, I can’t believe it.”

“I said to Maxime I’ve never seen this horse go backwards at the finish, he is always going forward and giving his best. I had no doubts about the distance and Maxime has given him a perfect ride, he had Lord North to follow and he switched off during the race.

“He switched him to the outside and then waited long enough to save something for the end and that’s just amazing. I am so happy for all my team,” added Reynier.

“It depends how he recovers but he can stay here and take it easy. He’s adapted very well here and seems very happy so maybe we could try Hong Kong next for the QE II Cup at the end of April.”