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Richard Hannon and Frankie Dettori combined for big-race success in France as Gutaifan claimed top honours in a British-dominated finish to the Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte.

The Al Shaqab Racing-owned juvenile went for the Group Two contest on the back of victories in his last two starts at Salisbury and Chester respectively.

Dettori rode a positive race down the centre of the track, with William Haggas' York scorer Ajaya also prominently ridden in the hands of Christophe Soumillon against the rail.

The pair kicked clear entering the closing stages of the five-and-a-half-furlong heat and after a thrilling duel, it was Gutaifan who passed the post a head to the good to give Hannon a second successive victory in this race after Kool Kompany 12 months ago.

The third British challenger in the field was Kevin Ryan's Areen, runner-up in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Kodiac colt disappointed on his most recent start in Newmarket's July Stakes, but finished off this race strongly to grab minor honours in third, a further two lengths away.

The previously unbeaten Venecia Style was the 5-2 favourite and fared best of the home runners in fourth place.