Islington, ridden by Kieren Fallon, won the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita racetrack today.
The champion jockey was at his brilliant best on the Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old and he always looked likely to reel in Aidan O'Brien's L'Ancresse close home.
O'Brien's Yesterday completed a famous one-two-three for the Europeans.
Bien Nicole stole a healthy march on the field from the gate but the pack closed in entering the home turn.
She was soon swallowed up, with Fallon getting Islington (100-30 favourite) into the perfect position to challenge coming into the straight.
L'Ancresse was a length or so in front, but Fallon's renowned strength saw Islington win the day by a neck to give the rider a first Breeders' Cup success.
Earlier French star Six Perfections turned in a remarkable performance in the California heat to take the Breeders' Cup Mile.
Six Perfections (5-1) was following up the success of stablemate Domedriver in last year's race as she became the fifth French-trained winner, all owned by the Niarchos family, in the contest's 20-year history.
Given a patient ride by Jerry Bailey, the Pascal Bary-trained filly sat in midfield before producing a great burst of speed to settle matters in the straight.
Dermot Weld's Guineas winner, Refuse To Bend, and Oasis Dream held every chance but could not get in a blow at the business end of the race.
14-1 shot Cajun Beat, ridden by Cornelio Velasquez, won the Breeders' Cup Spint.
"This filly is exceptional. She has a very good turn of foot," said Bary of his Mile winner.
"The track was very hard and the weather was very hot, but even with everything against her, she still managed to win.
"She is something special, even at home she has the same acceleration.Wherever she goes, she can do the job.
"We will have to speak to the Niarchos family but I think she will stay intraining next season.
Refuse To Bend's trainer, Dermot Weld, commented: "It was disappointing that the ground had dried out because of the intense heat.
"For a Sadler's Wells colt it was just too quick. He had a nice position but when he was asked to go he was chopped for speed and changed his leads.
Earlier on the card, Julie Krone had made Breeders' Cup history when becoming the first female jockey to ride a winner at the prestigious meeting as Halfbridled took the Juvenile Fillies race.