On what was his debut on English soil, Aux Pitts Soins won the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival this afternoon.
Heading down the home straight, Zabana was in close attendance, but under Sam Twiston-Davies, the French horse sped away and was able to just hold on as they both crossed the line.
"He travelled so easily. He was very honest from the bend to the line. I'm delighted to get on the board," Twiston-Davies told Channel 4.
Trainer Paul Nicholls added: "He has shown us plenty at home. He either jumped brilliantly or novicey, but he's obviously very good."
Activial finished strongly, but was unable to dislodge the front two.