French raider Vision D'Etat came from last to first to get the better of Tartan Bearer and Never On Sunday in a thrilling finish to the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Representing trainer Eric Libaud, the four-year-old was partnered by Olivier Peslier for the first time after connections opted not to use regular rider Ioritz Mendizabal.
And Peslier produced a masterful performance aboard the 4-1 shot, settling Vision D'Etat in behind as Tazeez made the early running from Twice Over and Virtual, with Tartan Bearer on the outside.
Twice Over went on two furlongs out but he was soon strongly challenged.
Peslier's patience paid off on last year's French Derby victor - without his usual tongue tie which was not declared - who came through with a powerful run.
He got first run on the second and third to become the second French-trained winner in three years after Manduro in 2007.
Twice Over rarely enjoys much luck in big races and having looked like winning at one stage he had to settle for fourth, beaten less than a length.
Libaud said: ‘Of all the winners I've had in the world this is the best one.
‘I knew it was going to being to be difficult from last place but I could see the horse was going well and Olivier had told me the straight at Ascot is long, so I was quietly confident.
‘This is the nicest and best victory I've ever achieved.’
Peslier added: ‘I was just behind the lead. My horse is not lazy and I just took a bit of time. I needed a chance and he moved out well.
‘The trainer told me before it was better if he came late and the race was perfect for me.
‘He's a typical French horse. When you are one or two lengths behind it's not a big problem because he's got a good turn of foot. That was a big help for me.’
Michael Stoute said of the runner-up: ‘He ran well and I'm making no excuses for him.
‘I think a better pace would have suited all of them. He's pretty widely entered up but let's wait and see.’
Jean-Claude Rouget said of the third: ‘I was not surprised to see him run that well although perhaps he is a little bit tender (inexperienced) for this competition at Group One level.’
While Tom Queally said of Henry Cecil's Twice Over: ‘I was disappointed he didn't win but he ran a hell of a race. He quickened up to win but he maybe just got outstayed.’
