Librettist landed his second Group One success in three weeks with a gallant all-the-way victory under Frankie Dettori in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp.
Absent from the Paris track, however, was trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who missed seeing his star miler's triumph after getting stuck at Heathrow.
The Godolphin-owned four-year-old also took last month's Prix Jacques le Marois and became only the sixth horse to win both races.
In doing so he proved he could handle any ground, having coped with muddy conditions at Deauville and the much faster surface he encountered on his return to France.
Dettori quickly had the son of Danzig out in front and after quickening the tempo in the straight, bravely held off Stormy River by half a length to record his seventh win from eight starts, with the fast-finishing Manduro the same distance back in third.
Librettist's sole defeat came in the Dewhurst of 2004, where he was fifth to Shamardal and Oratorio in a high-class renewal, but he missed the whole of his three-year-old campaign and only returned to the track in June of this year. "He's proved that after all his health problems he's back to his best," beamed Dettori, who did not miss the opportunity to execute one of his flying dismounts.
"I'm looking forward to riding him again in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot (September 23rd) and then perhaps the Breeders' Cup."
Bin Suroor said: "He has won the big race again and remains unbeaten for the season. We are very happy with him and will consider all the big autumn races internationally once we have seen how he comes out of this race."
Stormy River, who had finished fourth to the even-money favourite at Deauville, will skip a rematch and be aimed next at the seven-furlong Prix de la Foret back at Longchamp on September 30th.
The grey's trainer Nicolas Clement said: "Librettist is a hard horse to beat, but we got closer this time. He's proved himself the best miler in France and if he comes out of this okay the idea is to go for the Foret."
Kieren Fallon had Aidan O'Brien's Aussie Rules covered up on the rails before making his move to take fourth, two lengths adrift of Manduro.
South Africa's Irridesence pleased on her first run since joining John Hammond in what was a stepping stone to the Prix de l'Opera on Arc day. She raced prominently until tiring close home to finish fifth.
Andre Fabre will aim Visionario at the Grand Criterium, also on Arc day, after the Aga Khan's exciting two-year-old stretched his unbeaten record to three in the Group Three Prix la Rochette. The Spinning World colt was by no means extended to see off Pascal Bary's Holocene by a length to leave rider Christophe Soumillon impressed.
"Visionario gets better and better with each race. He became a little unbalanced entering the straight but once he found his stride he quickened nicely," Soumillon said. "His action is suited to good ground, I'm not sure how he will cope if it comes up heavy. He's from a good family and has an excellent temperament. He has done everything we've asked of him."
Bookmakers were also suitably impressed with the performance of the potential Classic prospect. Visionario was cut to 16 to 1 from 20 to 1 for the Stan James 2,000 Guineas with William Hill, and 20 to 1 with the sponsors. Coral go 20 to 1 about Visionario for both the Guineas and the Vodafone Derby. "This colt has won all three of his starts in good style, and now looks a legitimate contender for next year's Classic honours," said Coral's David Stevens.
Laytown passed
Officials at Laytown have passed the course fit for racing tomorrow following an inspection earlier yesterday.
However, a further inspection will be held early today before the planned six-race card, which is scheduled to get underway at 3.45pm.
The unique meeting takes place on the beach, and officials had been concerned at the lack of the usual sand bank which prevents water coming on to the course.
