Sagawara showed a commendable attitude in adversity to win the Montjeu Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary at Longchamp.

Trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre and ridden by Christophe Lemaire, the three-year-old daughter of Shamardal had just enough in the tank to deny the onrushing Rjwa.

The Aga Khan-owned Sagawara was always close to a lackadaisical pace set by Hasna, before taking a narrow lead inside the final furlong.

Several horses still had a live chance at that stage, but Lemaire had plotted his fractions to perfection and prevailed at odds of 9-4.

Forces Of Darkness finished third in the Group One over 10 furlongs.

La Peinture, the even-money favourite, came from too far back under Olivier Peslier to take fourth spot.

Sagawara still holds entries in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh.