The pair had finished first and second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November and Arrogate had ended the year as the Longines World’s Best Racehorse.

He began 2017 in scintillating fashion with a wide-margin success in the US$12-million invitational event but a little gloss was taken off the contest with California Chrome failing to run his race on his final start before retirement.

Arrogate wins Pegasus World Cup.

Winning jockey Mike Smith admitted that racegoers didn’t see “the real California Chrome”.

California Chrome was caught wide at the first turn but soon got across towards the inside of the track and raced alongside Arrogate in third and fourth as they tracked the pace set by Noble Bird.

Smith was the first to make his move as they passed the 800m pole and was soon at the head of affairs but when Victor Espinoza asked California Chrome for a response there was none forthcoming.

What remained was little more than a victory parade for the Bob Baffert-trained Arrogate as he was out on his own in the straight, finishing clear of Shaman Ghost and Neolithic.

Smith said: “Another incredible performance. We used the first turn to our advantage.