AJMAN Princess made all the running to scoop the Group 1 honours in the Darley Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville.

The Roger Varian-trained four-year-old put up a career-best performance to ward off all challengers under an inspired ride by Andrea Atzeni.

Ajman Princess plugged on gamely to hold Siyoushake and Left Hand.

Smart Call, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, and John Gosden's So Mi Dar were also not far away, though the latter was slightly disappointing.

The stewards held an inquiry into possible interference linked with Ajman Princess, but Varian's inmate was eventually announced the winner.

Varian said: "That was very satisfying. I have to thank Sheikh Mohamed Obaid (owner) to start with as it was his idea to change the tactics.

"She liked the ground. She was a very impressive listed winner at Goodwood in May but she ran well in defeat in Group 3s and Group 2s since and this was a very attractive Group 1 for four-year-olds and upwards, falling where it does.

"It was a nice spot and the ground dried out in our favour. She's been a bit unlucky on heavier ground, which might explain her performance, so this drying out ground suited much better. She's a good-striding filly and Andrea gave her a very, very good ride.

"She's a Group 1 winner now so if she doesn't do anything else it's not the end of the world and we'll celebrate this. She's in the Prix de l'Opera and in the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar so we'll see what happens."

Unfortunately led home a memorable one-two for Middleham trainer Karl Burke in the Group 1 Darley Prix Morny.

Wearing blinkers for the first time, the Society Rock colt bounded into the lead in the closing stages after settling well towards the rear of the field for Tony Piccone. He won the Group 2 Prix Robert Papin on his previous start.

The winner's stablemate Havana Grey made the running and stuck to his task admirably to hang on for second place, just ahead of Albany Stakes scorer Different League.

The other British raider, Mark Johnston's Nyaleti, faded out of contention after having been prominent early.

Burke said: "I couldn't believe the three colts in the race were last in the UK betting this morning. I thought about doing the forecast but I didn't want to tempt fate!

"In the early part of year the pair worked together together and Havana Grey was always quicker, but you could see Unfortunately was catching up all the time and he got in front this time.

"We said to PJ (McDonald, Havana Grey's jockey) to try to ride your race and not to mind the others. PJ said if he could ride the race again he'd kick earlier but, look, they're very good colts.

"I've been very lucky to have some nice horses, particularly in France, but to have a one-two in the Morny is fantastic. The Middle Park is probably the race for Unfortunately next.

"The other fellow did stay but he's got a lot of natural speed. They both have futures beyond being two-year-olds. I'm delighted!"