Dettori escapes Longchamp fall

Frankie Dettori had a lucky escape after Formal Decree took a crashing fall in the Group Three La Coupe at Longchamp.

The duo were travelling well in behind when Formal Decree appeared to lose his footing and took a nasty tumble, throwing Dettori in the process.

Formal Decree also brought down two of his rivals but all the horses and riders appeared to avoid serious injury in the incident.

The departure of Formal Decree left his pace-setting stablemate Stage Gift to claim top honours under Kerrin McEvoy.

The Australian produced a masterful piece of riding, setting a steady pace in front before gradually winding up the tempo with half a mile to run.

Stage Gift always had around a length in hand in the final furlong, holding off the persistent challenge of Willywell and Atlantic Air.

It is the third time in seven years Godolphin have landed the 10-furlong contest following the victories of Slickly in 2000 and Equerry in 2002.