French Glory, running his first race in...

French Glory, running his first race in North America, blew past longshot Sky Classic at the top of the stretch and won the $1 million Rothmans International at Woodbine Race Track in Toronto.

The Irish-bred 9-5 favorite, ridden by British jockey Pat Eddery, ran 1 1/2 miles over the rain-softened turf course in 2:34 4-5, winning by 1 1/4 lengths.

Sky Classic, Canada’s champion 2-year-old colt in 1989 before being injured, fought for the lead with Intimiste for most of the race. Sky Classic, ridden by Sandy Hawley, put Intimiste away heading into the far turn and appeared to be in control until French Glory passed him.

French Glory, trained by Andre Fabre, earned $619,650 from the record purse of $1,032,750 for his third victory in seven races this year and fifth in 13 lifetime starts. A 4-year-old colt who carried high weight of 126 pounds along with four others in the 10-horse field, he paid $5.60, $4.20 and $3.10. Sky Classic, a 21-1 choice, returned $14.60 and $8.80.