Classic times returned to the superpower of Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation as Mastery led home stablemate Kite Wood in the 233rd running of the Ladbrokes St Leger at a sell-out Doncaster.
Nearly 30,000 people turned up for the world's oldest Classic, and after Mastery's victory, connections reflected on what it meant to the Godolphin operation.
"British Classics are unique and don't grow on trees, which is why they are very difficult to win," said racing manager Simon Crisford.
"We haven't won a British Classic since Rule Of Law, but since that time we have won over 40 Group Ones, so the stable has been performing at the highest level all over the world.
"It is particularly pleasing to win a British Classic as these races are steeped in history and heritage. Racing in this country is the hardest in the world.
"Our plans for the future are to compete at the highest level when we have the horses to do so, and we are really looking forward to competing with the best stables in the world."
He added: "We will wait and see how both (Mastery and Kite Wood) are, but they might run again this season and they both stay in training next year."
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor, winning a fifth Leger, added: "I had confidence that Mastery could run well. He likes fast ground, which is what he got, but I don't think Kite Wood handled the ground as well."
The Leger was Ted Durcan's second Classic success, following on from Light Shift's 2007 Oaks win, and the 36-year-old proudly donned the winner's cap on his return.
He picked up a one-day ban (September 27) for using his whip with excessive frequency, while Monitor Closely's jockey Jimmy Fortune was banned for three days (September 27, 28 and 29) for careless riding.
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