Last year’s Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe fourth Sosie returned to action with an impressive success in the first European Group 1 of the season – the Prix Ganay at Longchamp.

Already a winner at the very top level having landed the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris during his three-year-old season, Sunday's victory marks the Wertheimer and Frere-owned colt out as one of Europe's top middle-distance prospects.

Partnered by reigning French champion jockey Maxime Guyon, Sosie was given a patient ride, settling comfortably in midfield as the Irish challenger Higher Leaves ensured a brisk early gallop.

With the field tightly bunched turning for home, Guyon angled Sosie into clear running room down the centre of the course. Responding willingly, the André Fabre-trained colt hit the front inside the final furlong and was forced to dig deep as Map Of Stars, the impressive recent Group 2 Prix d'Harcourt winner, launched a strong late charge. In a tight finish, Sosie showed determination to hold on by a neck, with Royal Rhyme a further two lengths back in third.

Speaking after the race, Fabre expressed his satisfaction with the colt's performance: "We are delighted, because it is his first race of the year, and the distance is a little bit short for him, but he was classy enough to win it."

The win marks an eighth Prix Ganay success for Fabre, extending his formidable record in the race. He alluded to the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr.1) at Royal Ascot as a long-term target for his charge.

His victory marked a double on the day in the Wertheimer and Frere colours, as well as a double for Maxim Guyon.