Fantastic Light repays Godolphin, Banks Hill wins for France

Fantastic Light breezed to victory in the $2 million Breeders` Cup Turf today, paying rich dividends for Godolphin`s late decision to reroute their globetrotting star to the race.

Travelling with supreme ease throughout, Frankie Dettori had the luxury of looking round as he pulled clear early in the stretch and was always holding a late run from Aidan O`Brien`s Milan, the mount of Michael Kinane.

Godolphin only decided on Wednesday to switch Fantastic Light away from a third and deciding duel with old rival Aidan O`Brien`s Galileo in the Breeders` Cup Classic, where they elected to run Sakhee.

'Whatever we did at least we got one,' said Dettori.

It was Godolphin`s second win of the day after Tempera lifted the Juvenile Fillies. Sheikh Mohammed`s operation is giving all its Breeders` Cup prizemoney to the victims of the September 11 attacks on nearby New York city.

Five-year old Fantastic Light finished only fifth behind Kalanisi in last year`s Turf.'Like wine he gets better with age,' said Dettori.

France`s Banks Hill spreadeagled the field in the Filly and Mare Turf to give Europe their first win of the night.

Andre Fabre`s filly was always moving easily near the head of affairs and when jockey Olivier Peslier pushed the button at the top of the stretch the result was never in doubt.

'We were travelling well and she showed a good turn of foot. I couldn`t see or hear the others,' enthused jockey Peslier.

Banks Hill pulled 5-1/2 lengths clear of Spook Express, with Andre Fabre also saddling the third horse home, Spring Oak under Frankie Dettori.

It was the first Breeders` Cup win in 31 attempts for owners Juddmonte Farms and the first race beyond a mile for this year`s winner of the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.