Luke Morris rides Alpinista to Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe crown for Sir Mark Prescott

The Kirsten Rausing-owned mare travelled sweetly in the heavy ground and was always well placed as Japanese hope Titleholder set a good pace.

The five-year-old was last off the bridle as Morris sat chilly and, giving the mare her head approaching the final furlong, Alpinista stayed on stoutly to fend off the late thrust of Eclipse winner Vadeni and last year's winner Torquator Tasso, who flew late from a wide draw under Frankie Dettori.

Prescott told Sky Sports Racing: "It's absolutely marvellous but the last 100 yards absolutely killed me. Such a relief she held on.

"Luke has ridden for us for 11 years and Miss Rausing has had horses with us for 36, so I'm very lucky. I trained her grandmother so it's hard to think of a better day.

"This is a wonderful change to have one who can really go and she's just been perfect."