Dylan Thomas survives enquiry and gives Aidan O'Brien first Arc win

Four year old Dylan Thomas (Danehill - Lagrion, by Diesis), ridden by Kieren Fallon, won the Arc de Triomphe over a mile and a half, beating Youmzain, who ran the race of his life, by a head - but the race was subject to a stewards' enquiry. Youmzain had been second to the winner in the King George in July, beaten much further that day on firm going.

Aidan O'Brien has been finessing his use of pacemakers in big races all season, and the plan worked well today, with the supplemented Song Of Haiwatha setting a furious pace ahead of stablemate Yellowstone. The favourite Authorized dropped in last from a wide draw, but never featured in the race, failing to switch off fully in the early stages and never progressing in the straight.

Dylan Thomas relaxed beautifully and raced midfield on the rail, drawing wide on the final turn before starting his powerful run on the outside, hanging right across Saddex, Zambezi Sun amd Soldier Of Fortune - all of whom were well beaten, but which gave rise to the lengthy stewards' enquiry - and forging well clear. Youmzain found his stride and flew home, getting to within a head of the winner. Sagara was third.

Dylan Thomas was winning his sixth Group One, and his fifth race of the year. He has only been beaten once over a mile and a half, when third to Sir Percy in last year's Derby.

Joint-owner Michael Tabor said: "Dylan Thomas has been on the go all year and a couple of the races he has lost this year he has had some hard luck.

"We always knew how good he was but on this ground it is an extra-special performance. He's by Danehill so let's hope he is the successor to Danehill.

"This is as sweet as it gets. But before the race when we discussed it I was saying why run in the Arc as we have Soldier and the ground is wrong.

"But Aidan said he is the type of horse who needs to run and here we are."