THE British challenge was also denied in the Group 2 Prix Maurice de Neuil but this time by a much narrower margin. In truth, Way To Paris’ nose defeat of Marmelo was not really a home victory as the son of Champs Elysees was owned, bred, trained and ridden by four different Italians.

The ownership part of that quartet is down to Paolo Ferrario and, watching from the stands, his 92-year-old heart must have been under severe strain in the closing stages as Way To Paris stretched every sinew to cling on to his lead.