Zellie came with a strong run from the rear of the field to claim Group One honours in the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac at ParisLongchamp

Oisin Murphy bided his time on the Andre Fabre-trained filly, as stablemate Fleur D’Iris made the running.

The eight runners were stretched out in the early stages – but the good pace set by Fleur D’Iris and Agartha took its toll in the straight and the pack closed in.

Zellie’s stamina kicked in as she found the perfect spot up the far rail, seeing off outsider Times Square to land the spoils. Oscula, trained by George Boughey, ran a fine race in third.

Fabre, who withdrew the unbeaten Raclette, because of the testing ground, was winning the Boussac for the first time since Miss Tahiti in 1995.

Zellie was given of quote of 12-1 for the French 1000 Guineas with Paddy Power.

Fabre said: “She’s been a very consistent all the way and the ground suited. She won really well.

“She might be a little bit limited with distance, but she could be a filly for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.”

For Murphy, the success capped a dramatic few days after he was taken to hospital for stiches on a facial injury following a frightening incident in the paddock at Salisbury on Thursday.

The champion jockey, was back in the saddle at Ascot on Friday, said: “It’s great. I had to pick myself up. I’m a little bit sore and it’s very ugly, but there’s nothing wrong with me. I had good horses to ride and it’s all worked well.

“It’s brilliant to win a big race for Mr Fabre. I grew up watching him train winners all over the world and I was on the right horse today.

“She didn’t fly out of the stalls and I just had to be patient and hope they would stop and she would pick up.

“Once the false rail opened up, she was always going to win. She’s a beautiful filly and an easy ride – a jockey’s dream.”

Of Oscula, who has been a credit to her connections this season, Nick Bradley of the owning syndicate said: “Everything went wrong as we planned to lead and didn’t come out, but as the two in front went hard it worked on our favour.

“She’s as tough as nails. We plan to either go Juvenile Fillies’ Turf (at the Breeders’ Cup) or I’ve a mad idea to send her for the UAE 1,000 Guineas in Dubai.”