Ryan Moore was out of luck at Ascot on his first ride back after being sidelined for more than six weeks with a wrist injury.
The three-time champion could manage only fifth place on Duke Of Firenze for his boss Sir Michael Stoute in the PwC Handicap over six furlongs.
The three-year-old looked like taking a hand in the finish over a furlong out but could not maintain his momentum as Kieren Fallon took the honours on the 9-2 favourite Gabriel's Lad for Denis Coakley.
Moore was only passed fit on Thursday, having won his battle to return in time to partner Sea Moon in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday.
Before that he has two rides at Newmarket on Saturday, The Gold Cheongsam and Burke's Rock for Jeremy Noseda, before his date in Paris.
Asked how he felt afterwards, Moore replied: "Fine."
Meanwhile, Coakley said of the winner: "He deserved to win another race, he lost five lengths at the start at York last time.
"There is another race there (York) next week, we'll just see how he comes out of it, but he'll be better next year."
