Karakontie recorded a win for Europe in the Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita.
Trained in Chantilly by Jonathan Pease, the Stephane Pasquier-ridden three-year-old shot clear in the straight to win with something in hand, although Anodin, also trained in France by Freddy Head, really got going late to take second.
Trade Storm was a fine third for David Simcock, completing a European one-two-three.
Obviously led the field into the straight, having gone very quick early on, tracked by Richard Hannon's well-fancied Toronado, who briefly led on leaving the stalls in the hands of Richard Hughes.
Hughes tried to get on terms after Obviously slowed it down and then quickened again turning in, but found himself challenging wide and in the end he was well beaten.
Karakontie was a second triumph on the night for the colours of Flaxman Holdings after the victory of Main Sequence in the Turf.
Pease said: "I was a bit worried about the draw, but Stephane got into a good position, which he held.
"Remember, this horse was a very good performer in the spring, when he won the (French) Guineas. He has always had an exceptional turn of foot and I actually thought he never got the credit he deserved. I see he started at 30-1, and I think he has silenced the punters."
Alan Cooper, racing manger for the owners, said: "He was not far out of the money in the Prix du Jockey Club and that took a lot out of him. Jonathan gave him a break and we waited for the Foret, but he was hampered in that.
"We need to discuss things before deciding whether he carries on."
Anodin's rider Olivier Peslier said: "I'm very pleased, even though we were not as close as I would have liked he showed a very good turn of foot and it was a good result for France.
"There were no problems, such as the bumping he got at Longchamp."
Hannon said of Toronado: "There are no excuses, he hit the gates and was travelling comfortably, but he just didn't finish his race. It was disappointing."
