THE French had the small consolation of successfully defending the two Group 3 events on the undercard, albeit there was just one British raider in each event.

Earthlight, who struck a major blow for French juveniles against the prevailing trend when plundering the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket 12 months ago, bounced back following his first career defeat in the Prix Maurice de Gheest by landing the Group 3 Qatar Prix du Pin over seven furlongs.