Jean-Claude Rouget achieved a lifelong ambition after Ervedya helped him tick off another box on his already impressive CV with a last-gasp triumph in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.
After sending out Lesstalk In Paris to fill the runner-up spot behind Rizeena in the mile contest 12 months ago, the French handler was all smiles after watching the 3-1 shot get up in the dying strides to claim the Group One fillies' prize ahead of Aidan O’Brien’s 13-8 favourite Found and give him a first winner at the meeting.
Arabian Queen ensured there would be no hanging about, setting a brisk pace from the outset in a bid to repeat the tactics that saw her capture the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom last time out, with Miss Temple City, Yasmeen and 13-8 favourite Found tracking in behind.
As the early leader wilted hitting the two-pole, Irish 1,000 Guineas runner-up Found, in the hands of man of the moment Ryan Moore, looked all set to claim a first victory of the season when moving to the head of the field, at a point where Ervedya, for a few strides, seemed to be hemmed in.
Getting the break she required, the French 1,000 Guineas heroine quickly demonstrated her rapid turn of foot as she chased down the O'Brien’s filly.
The line seemed to have come in time for the market leader but with one final ask Christophe Soumillon forced the daughter of Siyouni into the lead to gain a neck success from her Prix Marcel Boussac conqueror, with the fast-finishing Lucida third.
Rouget said: "She is very good mentally and physically, and is a champion. I was not worried as I know Christophe and the plan was come late and not get there too early. He rode a fantastic race
"We're delighted with her, she ran a great race" - Aidan O'Brien on Found's second-place finish
"It was her target after she won the Guineas. I had this race in mind instead of the Diane (French Oaks). I have always wanted to win a Group One at Ascot and now it has been done.
"It is hard to win a Group One in England. I love this place and to win a Group One here is important in my career.
"She could go for the Prix Rothschild now."
Found is set to be given a break following her excellent effort in defeat.
O'Brien said: "We're delighted with her, she ran a great race.
"I'd say she'll keep improving. The plan was always to have the three runs, have a little rest and then step up in trip. I'd say that's what we'll do."
Jim Bolger's Lucida carried the Godolphin silks to third place with connections confident that a prize at the top level is within her capabilities.
Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock advisor John Ferguson said: "She's done very well, only beaten half a length in a Group One.
For Soumillon, who won the 2005 renewal of the Queen Anne Stakes aboard Valixir when the meeting was held at York, it was clear that it ranked as high as many of his other Group One successes.
Soumillon said: "You need to come here with a champion. Sometimes you ride a champion but they are not in great shape.
"To do what she did today you need to be a great filly. She won the Guineas as well. If she had a good draw last year she would have probably won the Prix Marcel Boussac. Today everything worked well for her.
"She goes on any ground, any distance, any course - she is perfect and has a lovely temperament."
He went on: "I won at York with Valixir. For me it is a great win, I won the King George and Champion Stakes here. Ascot is a great meeting and I am really proud to be here today.
"For me this is great, it's a great meeting but unfortunately I don't have the horses to come here every year."
Although the victory was another in a long line of big-race wins for successful owner the Aga Khan, it was still of equal importance.
He said: "She had never run on this ground, as the ground was quick. The orders were to attack last and Christophe did just that.
"Obviously, to win this race is very, very important indeed. Not only for the horse itself, but for the whole family for the breeding operation. This family goes right back to my grandfather's time."
