Zelzal continued the remarkable big-race run of success for Jean-Claude Rouget in the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly.

Owned by Al Shaqab, the unexposed colt was an ultra-impressive winner with Ed Walker's Stormy Antarctic faring best of the strong British contingent in second but he was no match for Zelzal.

The winner's pacemaker Positive Vibration set a strong gallop but Zelzal still refused to settle in the hands of Gregory Benoist.

Stormy Antarctic and Spectre were the only other two who could get anywhere near the son of Sea The Stars, but in truth they never looked likely to get the better of the winner.

Clive Cox's Zonderland dropped away tamely while First Selection cut little ice.

Jeremy Noseda's Nemoralia was aiming for a first Group One win, but she had to make do with fourth place having attempted to come from last.

Rouget was winning his fifth Group One of the year in France.

Zelzal also broke the track record in beating the field by two lengths.

Al Shaqab's racing manager Harry Herbert said: "He's a serious horse.

"We're not sure what happened in the French Guineas, maybe it was too much too soon, he just didn't run a race.

"He came back to win his Group Three, though, and today was his big test which he passed with flying colours.

"Jean-Claude is having such a wonderful year. He's already won the Coronation Stakes for us with Qemah and the Prix Saint-Alary with Jemayel so that's three Group Ones just for us.

"I suspect it will be with the Prix du Moulin or the Jacques le Marois next, but I'd imagine he'll be having a bit of a break as he's had a few quick races.

"Given he's got such an electric turn of foot he would maybe not want very deep ground.

"Qemah is likely to go for the Prix Rothschild next." 

BHA