Racing: Arc glory for Golden Horn

Frankie Dettori celebrates winning the Prix de lArc de Triomphe. Picture: AP

John Gosden’s Derby hero and subsequent winner of the Coral-Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes had a wide draw to overcome, but Dettori gradually angled his way across the track and into an ideal position, tracking the pacemaking Shahah.

Golden Horn came under pressure early in the straight and the packed grandstand erupted as Criquette Head-Maarek’s wonder mare Treve, bidding to become the first horse in history to win the Arc three times, arrived on the outside seemingly full of running.

However, her trademark late burst failed to materialise once push came to shove and Golden Horn galloped all the way to the line, passing the post clear under a jubilant Dettori.

Flintshire filled the runner-up spot for the second successive year, with Treve edged out for third by New Bay.

Gosden, claiming his first Arc victory, said: “It’s great to win the Arc in France and the Derby in England – that’s what it’s about. When you’re drawn wide, if you stay wide for a long time, you can run your own little race and not be bothered by anyone and then slot across.

“It was perfect as we sat behind the pacemaker and then kicked because, as Frankie says, if you don’t kick at a certain time here they come like arrows at your back.

“I think [Dettori and Golden Horn] help each other. I keep saying he’s a better horse coming from off the pace and he was today.”

Golden Horn will head for stallion duties next season, but could have one more run this season.

Gosden said: “He retires to stud and the owner is quite keen on the Breeders’ Cup. It gives us one day short of a month, he’s got a great constitution and he travels well.

“If he’s in good order next week, there’s no reason why he can’t go there.”

Dettori said: “I really believed in the horse. He put a great Arc to bed like a superstar.

“I was going that fast in the last 300 metres I thought it was impossible for another horse to pass me. It was an amazing performance.

“I’ve been scratching my head all week. Everyone was determined to make me sit behind and I said ‘Why? We’ve got the best horse. Let me get him up there and show the world how good he is’. The only blip he had was at York, but his record is unbelievable. He’s probably the best horse I’ve ridden.”

Harry Herbert, racing manager for Treve’s owner Sheikh Joaan, confirmed Treve has probably run her last race.

He said: “She’s run a great race. Thierry Jarnet is so disappointed as I think she was a bit free early.

“He just pointed at the ground. He was gutted – he could hardly speak.

“He just said it was too quick for her, but personally I think she was just a little bit keen and a little bit fresh and was never quite in the right spot.

“She had every chance. The winner is awesome. Golden Horn is a worthy champion. I don’t think she’s lost anything in defeat. It’s great to have a go and wonderful for Sheikh Joaan to give it a go. She’s given everyone a huge thrill, but hats off to Golden Horn, John Gosden, Frankie and the Oppenheimers.”

Meanwhile, Simply Ned produced a cracking weight-carrying performance to land the feature race at Kelso for the second year running.

Given a cool ride by Brian Harding,the top-weight beat Robin’s Command by three lengths in the £22,500 NSPCC School Service Handicap Chase.

The 6/4 favourite was conceding 26lb to the runner-up and winning trainer Nicky Richards said: “He did it very nicely. He’ll have a similar campaign to last season and he’ll go the Shloer Chase again at Cheltenham next.”