Calandagan became the first overseas winner of the Japan Cup in 20 years when fending off local favourite Masquerade Ball in a thrilling finish at Toyko.

Calandagan became the first overseas-trained winner since the Luca Cumani-trained Alkaased struck under Frankie Dettori in 2005, while the wait for the last French-trained winner went back to Le Glorieux in 1987.

The four-year-old won a head, making it four consecutive top-level wins after success in the Grand Prix Saint-Cloud, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Champion Stakes.

The Aga Khan Studs homebred, bred in Ireland by Gleneagles won £2.6 million for the victory in prize money and a further £2.3m bonus, having won the King George at Ascot, one of the qualifying races in the invitation bonus scheme.

Mickael Barzalona had the four-year-old in midfield and he was wide into the straight. At the furlong pole Croix Du Nord had come though to lead but Masquerade Ball and Calandagan were coming with their runs and the two battled through the final furlong with the French horse showing great resolution to get the verdict by a head.

The final time also beat Almond Eye's course-record time. Danon Decile ran on for third as Croix Du Nord faded in the final 50 yards.

Barzalona and the rider of the runner-up, Christophe Lemaire, shook hands after passing the post together but Lemaire was one of two riders to be unseated shortly after the line, with Keita Tosaki also unshipped on third home Danon Decile.

Victory continues a brilliant season for connections, with Daryz's success in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe another highlight for the owners, Barzalona and trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.

Graffard was reported saying: "I was really nervous before the race. It's one thing bringing the best horse in the world to this race, but he faced a really high-quality field. Everything seemed to go well, but I was looking for Christophe Lemaire and he seemed to get a dream run through.

"He went a head up and I thought we were beaten, but he's tough and he battled back. He's an exceptional horse to have put his head in front on the line."

The win completed an amazing international season for Graffard which began with Zarigana in the French 1000 Guineas and also included Gezora in the Prix de Diane and Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare, Daryz in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Quisisana in the Prix Jean Romanet, Sahlan in the Qatar Prix du Moulin, Map Of Stars in the Prix Ganay and Grosser Dallmayr-Preis - Bayerisches Zuchtrennen as well as Calandagan’s Grand Prix Saint-Cloud, King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Champion Stakes