Master The World awarded Betway Winter Derby after Stewards’ inquiry drama

The David Simcock-trained Mr Owen was first past the winning post but a Steward’s inquiry later demoted the three-time Listed winner to second as a result of causing interference to Master The World close to home. Battle of Marathon held on to its third place , coming in a length and a quarter behind the front two.

Race favourite Clear Skies was settled on the rail for Ryan Moore for most of the journey, but she failed to quicken when needed to and soon fell out of contention. Khalidi, who won the Bahrain Trophy last season, was stepping back in trip and stayed on nicely on the inside, while last year’s Winter Derby winner Convey also made his move down the outside.

However, Mr Owen, with jockey Jamie Spencer at the helm wearing the silks of Qatar Racing, came menacingly from the back of the field, but undid all its good work by drifting to the right in the closing stages, taking Master The World off his line in the process.

Kevin Quinn, part-owner of Master Of The World, said: “Sean [Levey] gave Master The World a great ride and he was confident he would get the race. He came from nowhere and would have won but for the bump.

“Things didn’t pan out for him last time but he goes best for Sean. He likes it here and usually runs his race and owes us nothing as he’s won over £330,00 plus this. He’ll run in the Easter Classic back here [on AW Championships Finals day].”

Simcock said: “I’m delighted with that despite losing the race.

“Mr Owen spooked at a shadow close home or else he would have kept straight. He travelled strongly so we might now look at the mile on finals day.”