Mahler stuck on for second, with favourite Honolulu in third. The win gave Gosden a second success in the Leger following the victory of Shantou in 1996. Fortune said afterwards: "He's made up into a very good horse. We had a little doubt about him staying but he stayed well.

They went a good pace and I was happy to sit off it and we picked them off one by one in the straight. He's done it very nicely. He's a beautiful horse, very relaxed and a real professional. It's great to get my first Classic, I've waited a long time for it."

Gosden said: "He has run well all year. He made his debut in what was probably the hottest maiden of the year at Newbury and he finished fourth in what was probably a very good Derby. He has always been a very good horse. We will put him away now and he will be a lovely horse for next year."

Earlier Fullandby (20-1) gained the big win his consistent efforts deserved when he came late to land the Ladbrokes Portland Handicap.

Tim Etherington's sprinter so often runs well in these valuable handicaps and PJ McDonald brought him with a great run to beat Paradise Isle by a head.

"He's deserved a big one, " said Etherington. "He won the Ripon race [Great St Wilfrid] on his side and it was a lot slower on his side. You'd like to think it would the Ayr Gold Cup next."