'Divine' Demuro on cloud nine as Sottsass downs Persian King

Jean-Claude Rouget proved himself to be a modern master for the Chantilly Classics once again as Sottsass flew home under supersub Cristian Demuro to defeat red-hot favourite Persian King in record-breaking time.

Rouget missed the race after being taken ill earlier on a sweltering day, but was well enough to celebrate the victory from hospital, from which he is expected to be released on Monday.

The trainer was responsible for his fourth Qipco Prix du Jockey Club winner and a third in four years.

There were at least two ecstatic men on hand to lift the mood, namely winning owner Peter Brandt and Demuro, who only came in for the ride during the week when Christophe Soumillon was claimed for Zarkallani, and who was adding to his previous success in the race two years ago aboard the Rouget-trained Brametot.

"It's very emotional to have won one [Jockey Club] and so a second, which to tell the truth wasn't expected, is wonderful," said Demuro. "I was down to ride another horse but then His Highness the Aga Khan decided to run his horse and Jean-Claude Rouget once again showed faith in me. Really it’s a dream."

Described by Rouget's long-serving assistant Jean-Bernard Roth as "a divine jockey," Demuro was able to save valuable ground on the rail before finding a deluxe tow into the race on straightening up.

"Without really trying I found myself directly behind Persian King and he took me into the race with his acceleration," said Demuro. "I knew he was the horse to beat and once I was past him it was easy."

Asked about his blossoming association with Rouget, Demuro said: "More and more it feels like family to me and I think that's my fifth Group 1 for Jean-Claude. I feel very lucky to get the call on a horse like him."

For Brandt, it was a case of keeping it in the family, since Sottsass – whose previous win came on very soft ground but which crucially gave him experience of Chantilly's Piste du Jockey Club – was purchased at Arqana in the wake of his half sister, Breeders' Cup heroine Sistercharlie, flying the flag for the owner's White Birch Farm.

"His sister was in the Prix de Diane and got into a lot of trouble when she was beaten," said Brandt. "She hasn't been beaten many times since. I was glad to be here that that and this is just a great great moment. It’s one of the the greatest days I've had and that includes the Breeders' Cup."

Cristian Demuro celebrates his success aboard SottsassCredit: Alan Crowhurst

While it will be a recuperating Rouget that plots a course for Sottsass, Brandt confirmed that his French Derby winner would be staying here in Europe in preference to a transfer to Chad Brown's barn in the US.

Paddy Power gave Sottsass an introductory quote of 16-1 for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and Brandt was in no mood to talk his trainer out of that as a potential end-of-year target.

"I can tell you that the Arc is one of the races I most want to win," said Brandt. "My first time at the Arc was nearly 50 years ago with Ivanjica and I've spent a lot of time dreaming about having an Arc horse."

Pierre-Charles Boudot was obliged to burn plenty of petrol from his wide draw aboard Persian King but still looked to be full of running two out as he came to tackle leader Motamarris before watching Sottsass breeze past him.

Andre Fabre will drop Persian King back to a mile

"I come back to my first thought which is that he didn't stay," said Andre Fabre. "He was travelling well with two furlongs to go and then got tired at the end. He was beaten by a top-class horse."

Fabre indicated that the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville might be next for Persian King.

Freddy Head was delighted with the performance of the inexperienced Motamarris, who helped cut out the pace and stayed on well for third, holding off Cape Of Good Hope and Ryan Moore.

Head said: "I wasn't sure he'd have the pace for a Jockey Club and what he's done today is quite something, because I think he'll get a mile and a half. We've seen a very good edition today."

Aidan O'Brien said of Cape Of Good Hope: "Ryan's horse ran a lovely race and we think he'll come forward a bit more. His brother [Highland Reel] was second in this race and afterwards he started to progress, so hopefully he will too."

Qipco Prix du Jockey Club result

Get exclusive insight from the track and live tipping with Raceday Live - our up-to-the-minute service on racingpost.com and the Racing Post mobile app