'I adore Mark - what a beautiful day' - Rouget's tears of pride as Vadeni denied

Under-fire jockey Christophe Soumillon spoke of his frustration after coming up short in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe aboard Vadeni, who put in one of the bravest displays in defeat in recent Longchamp history.

And if ever you wanted proof of the pressure involved in preparing top-class thoroughbreds for one day, then watching Jean-Claude Rouget break down mid-television interview after Vadeni and stablemate Al Hakeem had run second and fourth in the Arc laid it all bare.

Rouget appeared to be relieved of an immense burden as Vadeni confounded his doubters in staying all the way to the line in pursuit of Alpinista, while his longstanding friendship with Sir Mark Prescott rendered him almost as happy as he would have been had his horse crossed the line in front.