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Morrison concludes ‘C’est la vie’ after photo finish and stewards’ enquiry

Hughie Morrison was left disappointed as Marmelo narrowly failed to win back-to-back renewals of the Prix Maurice de Nieuil at ParisLongchamp – losing out to Way To Paris.

To rub salt into the wounds, not only did Marmelo lose in a tight photo finish, there was then a lengthy stewards' enquiry after the winner made a move just out of the home turn which forced Ryan Moore's mount into the centre of the track – costing him valuable ground.

As Way To Paris quickened to the front, Marmelo began gaining with every stride, but the line came just too soon for the British raider.

Morrison immediately lodged a complaint against the winner – but after the result was left unaltered, he took defeat on the chin.

He said: "We didn't get it. Ryan came in, and the first thing he said was he got a bump just after turning in – and it cost him the race.

"We've lost so narrowly, and he lost all momentum – it definitely cost him the race. They didn't say why we hadn't got it.

"It's very disappointing. It cost us a critical stride – c'est la vie."

Moore did gain some compensation later on the card when Richard Hannon's Star Terms won the Listed Prix de Thiberville in convincing fashion.

Earlier, there was more joy in France this season for Charlie Appleby as his Well Of Wisdom made most of the running in the Listed Prix Roland de Chambure.

Appleby actually ran two in the race, with James Doyle on Saqqara King – who faded to finish third.

Mickael Barzalona was on Well Of Wisdom, who was last seen finishing ninth in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"I can't say I expected them to finish in that order," said Appleby.

"I thought Saqqara King would quicken past him, but he's seen it out really well.

"I had thought Saqqara King would win here and then go on to Deauville, so I'll probably do that with the winner now! I think Saqqara King needs further."