A previous winner at Longchamp in the Group 2 Prix Dollar last October, Anmaat was a commendable second behind Adayar on seasonal reappearance in the Group 2 Gordon Richard Stakes.

Fellow British-trained runner Light Infantry attempted to make all with Joseph O'Brien's Buckaroo, but jockey Jim Crowley was able to settle Anmaat in a good position. Crowley manoeuvred his mount to the outside for a clean run, and five horses vied for victory in the closing stages; Anmaat, Light Infantry, Buckaroo and domestic-trained runners Facteur Cheval and Erevann. Anmaat was able to produce an extra surge to win by a head from Light Infantry with Facteur Cheval a nose behind. Buckaroo was a further head behind in fourth.

In a post-race interview with French broadcaster Equidia, Jim Crowley said: "It was a good finish. It was a bit messy early on, I thought I was a little bit far back. He picked up very well, he's improving all the time, it's lovely to win a Group One.

"I was a little bit concerned about the quicker ground but he's handled it fine. I'm hoping he will improve and he will be even better with more cut in the ground as well."

Anmaat holds entries in the Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes and the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park. He has been shortened to 7/1 from 11/1 with Paddy Power for the Royal Ascot contest.