Tiznow salvaged home pride today by outduelling European threat Sakhee and becoming the only horse ever to win the Breeders` Cup Classic twice.
In a rousing stretch battle reigning Horse of the Year Tiznow outfought Godolphin`s Prix de l`Arc de Triomphe winner by a nose to stop Europe taking only their second ever win in the $4 million Classic.
The crowd roared home Jay Robbins four-year old, plagued by injury this year, in an epic struggle that more than matched his dramatic win over Ireland`s Giant`s Causeway this time last year.
"I really had doubts he could get back to Sakhee, but he`s game, very game," said Robbins.
Pacesetter Albert the Great fought on to be 1-3/4 lengths back in third, but Europe`s other big threat, Aidan O`Brien`s English Derby winner Galileo, was beaten early and finished sixth.
Godolphin`s gamble of switching Sakhee, so impressive in the Arc earlier this month, from the Turf to the Classic only just failed.
"It`s only three weeks since Paris and his first run on dirt - this must be some horse," said jockey Frankie Dettori. "Full credit to Tiznow though, he really battled."
Europe had been threatening to dominate the closing stages of the $14 million card, as Banks Hill, Johannesburg and Godolphin`s Fantastic Light swept to three straight wins.