DUBAI -- Few cheered louder up in the stands than Louisville police Captain Steve Thompson as the horse named after him lifted the $6 million World Cup at Nad Al Sheba on Saturday night.

Four years ago Captain Thompson came to the aid of racehorse owner Mike Pegram who after a misunderstanding over an unloaded pistol found himself temporarily in prison.

Pegram had been stopped at the local airport after a security check detected the pistol in gift-wrapping. He had not had time to open the item and was totally unaware of the contents.

But local police took a dim view and Pegram was detained, pending inquiries.

Enter Captain Thompson, the man in charge of the police operation at the Kentucky Derby the previous day. Trainer Bob Baffert explained the plight and Thompson sorted it out, even picking Pegram up from jail.

Grateful Pegram promptly named one of his next yearlings Captain Steve, a horse he bought for $70,000 and which has now won nearly $7 million.

Thompson, a guest of Pegram's, took to the interview rostrum after Saturday's win, telling reporters, "I would just like to thank Mr Pegram for letting me be part of all this."

Now the horse has a fine chance of more great things after proving his worth on Saturday.

Another shot at the Breeders' Cup Classic at the end of the season is on the cards and it is a fair bet Captain Steve will be there shouting for his equine namesake.