Day two from Longchamp

The French Derby winner - ridden by Christophe Soumillon - had to come in from stall 14, wide out on the right, and held off a brave challenge from Mubtaker.

Ireland's High Chaparral finished third in the 13-horse race for the second year in a row.

"It's a race I wanted to win throughout my apprenticeship and it's unbelievable to ride a horse like him," said 22-year-old Soumillon.

"He's a real champion and I love him so much."

At the seven-furlong mark Dalakhani found himself nestled at the back of the pack while his pacemaker Diyapour did his job up front.

It was Mubtaker - ridden by Richard Hills - who pushed for home first, surging into the lead on the false straight.

But the Aga Khan-owned Dalakhani showed his class as he poured on the pace, despite the soft ground, and claimed victory by three quarters of a length.

"I was worried about the ground as he hadn't won on it since he was a two-year-old, but he proved he could handle anything," said the Aga Khan, who won his third Arc.

We'll have to come back and win it next year Marcus Tregoning Mubtaker's trainer

"He has got to be an outstanding horse."

It was a disappointing day for Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien, who watched as High Chaparral toiled back in third.

The four-year-old never really challenged for the lead and jockey Mick Kinane revealed that the horse does not find the Longchamp circuit to his liking.

"I started to struggle at a vital point turning for home, but he laboured a little bit on the heavy ground," said Kinane.

"Maybe it doesn't suit him round here. He seems to be better going left-handed."

O'Brien admitted he has yet to decide whether High Chaparral will travel to America to defend his Breeders' Cup title.

Frankie Dettori's bid to win his third Arc in a row was dashed when his mount Doyen finished back in fourth place.

Kris Kin, winner of the Epsom Derby, did not show any form and finished well down the field.