Rhododendron saw off stablemate Hydrangea to claim top honours in the Longines-sponsored Prix de l'Opera at Chantilly.

Ryan Moore sided with Hydrangea following her narrow victory over another Ballydoyle inmate Winter in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

Rhododendron, ridden by Seamie Heffernan, finished second in the 1000 Guineas and the Oaks earlier in the year, but had disappointed on her two most recent outings.

Aidan O'Brien's pair were never too far off the pace being set by John Gosden's The Black Princess and after fighting their way to the front in the final furlong, it was Rhododendron who claimed a narrow verdict.

BHB