Royal Champion delivered Yorkshire-based trainer Karl Burke a first Stakes winner outside of Europe, with an emphatic victory in the Group 2 Bahrain International Trophy.

Rated 120 in the UK, Royal Champion held some of the best form credentials coming into the race, having won the Listed Quebec Stakes at Lingfield on his stable debut before rising to the occasion at York, recording a career-best victory in the Group 2 York Stakes, defeating Almaqam. His subsequent third in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes behind Delacroix had been a commendable effort, having struggled for racing room in the opening furlong.

In Bahrain, Royal Champion faced a strong field of seven opponents, including the improving Ralph Beckett-trained gelding Pride Of Arras.

It was Joseph O'Brien's Galen who took the field along in the early stages, setting a strong pace under Dylan Browne Mcmonagle, and as the race turned into the home straight, the Irish contender looked difficult to beat.

He still held a two length advantage at the two furlong marker, but jockey James Doyle was able to provide a challenge aboard Royal Champion, sweeping past the long-term leader in the closing half-furlong. Galen finished second, with Godolphin's Military Order third.

"He has a turn of foot but he takes some time to get going," said winning trainer Karl Burke.

"Maybe if we ran the race again, we'd sit a little closer or move forward sooner but that's no criticism of James, he's given him a great ride.

"I thought we were beaten a furlong and a half out, I didn't think we would get there. He stays well, he's tough.

"This horse can take a hundred yards to get going. If we were to run the race again, I'd be telling James to him to get going hundred yards earlier!"

The victory ends an excellent year for Burke, who has trained thirty-seven Stakes winners from his Middleham-based yard.

"It's been very special, we've been supported by some very influential owners who can supply those horses. We have a great team of people at home."