Jean-Claude Rouget returned to the Group 1 winner’s enclosure as Leffard got up to deny Trinity College in a pulsating finish to the Cygagames Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp on Sunday evening.

The dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-winning trainer – who has had health battles and seen his string much reduced over the last year – was clearly emotional after Cristian Demuro put Leffard’s head down right on the line to edge out Aidan O’Brien’s Trinity College.

Ryan Moore and Trinity College had tracked Frankly Good Cen before switching out and showing a smart turn of foot, one that looked like it would seal matters. That was not counting for Leffard, however, and he too picked up in great style when asked to leave the pair battling out.

After the shortest of waits, Leffard – who holds an Arc entry – was announced the winner, putting a below-par effort in the Prix du Jockey Club – in which Trinity College had been fourth before winning at Royal Ascot – behind him and fully justifying the decision to supplement for the Paris showpiece.

Rouget told Sky Sports Racing: “It was fantastic when I saw the horse coming. I was very confident there was not a big difference between the two (Leffard and Trinity College).

“I knew he was very good, but I had to find a new confidence in him (after the Prix du Jockey-Club). He was so well this week and the field was not tremendous I decided to supplement him. When I saw six runners, it was possible to be third and we did better.

“I think yes (he is an Arc horse), because when I bought him I was sure I bought a good horse.

It’s a big fairytale, life continues and we do other things."

By Le Havre, Leffard was bought by the trainer as a yearling at Deauville for €150,000. He races in the colours of Gerard Augustin-Normand, who also raced Le Havre and 2016 French Derby winner Almanzor.

Leffard only made his racing debut at Cagnes-sur-Mer in January of this year, winning the same maiden Rouget won with future star Ace Impact two years ago. Leffard finished 17th in the Prix du Jockey-Club last month, hence his starting price of 16/1 today.