Irish-trained Dylan Thomas, ridden by Kieren Fallon, survived a 30-minute stewards' inquiry before being declared winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp yesterday.

The colt held off by a head the British outsider Youmzain, partnered by Richard Hughes, but Fallon's mount cut inside in the last 300 metres, hampering the well fancied Zambezi Sun and later checking stable companion Soldier of Fortune.

Fallon told reporters that the inquiry had felt like the longest of his life.

"I was very worried, but the boys in there were confident I would not lose it," he said.

"Stephane Pasquier (on Zambezi Sun) helped me in the stewards' room. His evidence I would say was a big factor."

Fallon, who won the Arc two years ago on Hurricane Run, added: "He (Dylan Thomas) was the best horse in the race."

The third-placed horse home yesterday was Sagara, the mount of Thierry Gillet.

Epsom Derby winner Authorized was sent off the even money favourite but finished only 10th of the 12 runners yesterday.

Disappointed jockey Frankie Dettori said: "He was just dead on his feet."

Fraud charges

Dylan Thomas, a proven performer at top level, gave trainer Aidan O' Brien the first Arc success of his career.

It was a joyful day for 42-year-old Fallon but in stark contrast he will return to the Old Bailey in London today when the prosecution is due to open its case in the trial of the ex-champion and five others accused of conspiracy to defraud customers of the betting exchange Betfair.