Sea The Stars breathtaking in Arc win

Published on Sunday 4 October 2009 23:38

SEA The Stars, ridden by Mick Kinane, swept to a majestic victory in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe yesterday to be crowned Europe's champion racehorse.

The 4-6 favourite won in spectacular fashion at Longchamp for Irish trainer John Oxx, bursting through on the inside for an effortless two-length victory over 20-1 chance Youmzain, runner-up for the third year in succession. Frankie Dettori's mount Cavalryman (12-1) was third of the 19 runners with Conduit (8-1) fourth.

Winning his sixth Group 1 race in a row, Sea The Stars proved himself one of the great Arc victors. Soft-spoken Oxx was almost lost for words after this success. "He is exceptional," he said. "No horse in any race has the speed he has."

Oxx refused to be tied down on whether his champion would end his career with a shot at the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita next month, saying only: "Let the dust settle first."