Veteran French jockey Thierry Jarnet won his first French Oaks in style on Sunday easing to victory on Treve at Chantilly racecourse.
The 46-year-old – who had won two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes but never managed to win the fillies classic – conjured up a great burst of speed midway down the finishing straight to come home clear at 9/1 and give trainer Criquette Head-Maarek her third win in the race but first since 2000.
The 16/1 outsider Chicquita finished strongly to take second while Olivier Peslier, like Jarnet without a win in the race prior to Sunday, had to make do with third on the 4/1 chance Silasol.
Favourite Flotilla had every chance entering the final two furlongs but faded quickly to finish well down the 11 runner field.