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The French-trained Iresine stayed on best to make sure the first European Group 1 was to remain on home soil at Paris-Longchamp this afternoon…

There looked to be no fluke about the success of Jean-Pierre Gauvain's six-year-old, who returned to action with a promising second behind the reopposing Simca Mille in the Group 2 Prix d'Harcourt at this venue three weeks ago.

The Jean-Pierre Gauvain-trained contender was anchored at the rear of the field for much of the contest as Sabio Cen set an honest tempo. As the field turned for home, jockey Marie Velon pulled her mount to the outside and the son of Manduro quickened up nicely to come with a well-timed challenge. The six-year-old soon found himself upsides old adversary Simca Mille and drew clear in the closing stages for a comfortable one-and-a-quarter-length success. Bay Bridge stuck to the task well to finish third having raced enthusiastically for the first part of the race while Vadeni made up some late ground to grab fourth. 

It was a second top-level success for jockey Marie Velon, who partnered Irisene to victory in last year's Group 1 Royal-Oak here in October.

Speaking with Sky Sports Racing afterwards James Wigan, owner of Bay Bridge, said: "I thought he ran a very good race, a very courageous race. He got a little bit tired, but for his first run of the season it was a very good performance. Ryan said he wished they'd gone a little bit faster earlier on, he was quite keen but condition told a little bit. He's a big strong horse and the race will do him good".

When asked what was next on the agenda for Bay Bridge he replied: "I would think the tattersalls race in Ireland or else Ascot".