The John and Thady Gosden-trained seven-year-old had dead-heated with subsequent Saudi Cup hero Panthalassa in this nine-furlong contest last year, having first won it in 2021.

He had shown his well-being with an easy victory in the Winter Derby at Lingfield last month under Robert Havlin.

Reunited with his regular partner, the Italian was always in the ideal stalking position as the Roger Varian-trained El Drama set sensible fractions under David Egan.

Nations Pride and William Buick tracked the leader, but Frankie Dettori always had him in his sights.

Having sat in his slipstream, the seven-year-old loomed large approaching the final furlong. As the long-time leader faded down the stretch, Lord North wore down Charlie Appleby's runner and just had enough to fend off the late thrust from the Joao Moreira-ridden Danon Beluga to score by a three-quarters of a length.

For Dettori, who is set to retire at the end of the year, it was a moment to savour.

He said: "It's my farewell season and to win this on a horse that has done three years in a row is fantastic.

"He can get sick easily and he's a seven-year-old gelding, but I was that confident I lost my whip 300 (yards) out!

"I think his comeback run was better than last year and he was in better shape. I rode him the other morning, he didn't give me much of a feel but that's him.

"He had a good draw in three and jumped good. I could have sat second but took him back and then filled him up in the straight.

"Nine furlongs is his best distance. It's a remarkable job by the team to come back and win this for the third time.

"I'm super chuffed, and really enjoying the night."