Galileo suffered the first defeat of his career when narrowly beaten by Fantastic Light in the Ireland the Food Island Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown today.
The pair fought out a terrific battle in the last furlong but it was the older Goldolphin horse, sent off at 9-4, who came out on top by a head under Frankie Dettori.
The duel developed when the pair swept past pacemaker Ice Dancer a furlong and a half out and it was tooth and nail between the two all the way to the line.
"The King George was some battle but this took the mickey out of it. For a full furlong they were head to head." said a delighted Dettori.
"It shows what a difference 5lb makes. My horse likes a challenge and has been in fights before. He came out on top again today.
"Galileo is a real champion and this is one of the races I`ll savour for the rest of my life."
Goldolphin racing manager Simon Crisford revealed afterwards that Sheikh Mohammed favours a rematch in the Breeders` Cup classic in New York next month.