ALMANZOR confirmed his reputation as the best colt of the classic generation with another stunning display in the Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Trained by the champion trainer of France, Jean-Claude Rouget, he followed up his Irish Champion Stakes win by beating Found once again. Given Aidan O'Brien's mare won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in between her races against Almanzor, it shows just how good the Wootton Bassett colt is.

From his draw in stall one Christophe Soumillon was at pains to make sure he was not trapped in against the rails and while he ended up in a pocket at one stage, Almanzor was good enough that it made no difference.

The Grey Gatsby returned to form and hit the front, taking over from Racing History with two furlongs to run, but Soumillon looked cool. Ryan Moore moved Found up on his outside but Almanzor, the 11-8 favourite, showed a blistering turn of foot once more to win by two lengths. Jack Hobbs ran a tremendous race on his comeback, staying on for third.

Soumillon said: "He is an amazing horse. Everything you do with him looks easy, it just shows you how good he is. I never thought at the beginning of the season he would be that strong the whole year. He is getting smarter and smarter.

"A few horses were going left and right in the beginning, I was trying to get a good position but unfortunately I had to go on the inside. When I came on the outside with The Grey Gatsby I knew he was going to give me something. I came a bit early for him and I knew Found was there and how strong she is, so I was giving him a chance to finish well and the last 100 yards he kept going. We have never tried a mile and a half but I am sure he will stay."