Frankel's Group One winning brother Noble Mission has gone down by a head in the Group One Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.

James Doyle took the Lady Cecil-trained five-year-old to the front in the 2400m contest and just as he looked set to claim add another Group One to his Tattersall's Gold Cup win, he found the petrol tank on empty and was collared in the shadow of the post by Spiritjim.

The Arc now beckons for the Pascal Bary-trained Spiritjim who won by a head.

"You could see the other horse's stride shortening just as my horse accelerated," Bary said.

"Now he'll go for the Arc.

"He's a super horse. He always gives his running and 2400 metres is really his perfect trip. The softening of the ground suits him as well as the other horse making it a proper test."

There were no complaints from Doyle who said Noble Mission was not a true stayer.

"He just doesn't quite stay, plain and simple really," Doyle said.

"I was pleased with him. It was another good performance and I can't knock him at all."