Workforce bounces back in Arc triumph

Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore fulfilled life-long ambitions as Epsom Derby hero Workforce bounced back to his brilliant best in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

The King's Best colt travelled strongly throughout in the hands of the champion jockey - but was still nearer last than first on the turn for home. However, he showed an excellent turn of foot given the testing conditions to hit the front approaching the final furlong and dug deep in the closing stages to repel the sustained challenge of Nakayama Festa.

Workforce had been a spectacular winner at Epsom, where he broke the course record, but his Arc participation remained undecided until as late as Thursday following his dismal performance in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on his previous start.

Stoute, who had come closest in the Arc when second with Pilsudski in 1996 and 1997, said: "It's been a long time coming, but I'm delighted it has happened at last - especially with this horse, because he looked outstanding at Epsom on Derby day. He was a big disappointment in the King George. It's been a real team effort (to get him back) and I'm not just saying that as a cliche. The jockey gave him some ride.

"If you have any ambition when you start training, you want to win the Arc.''

Triple champion jockey Moore is only 27, but it was mission complete for him too. He said: "The Derby and the Arc were my biggest two ambitions in racing and this horse has supplied them both."

Trainer Richard Fahey and jockey Paul Hanagan both celebrated their first Group One winner as the money-spinning Wootton Bassett turned in a scintillating performance in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, while Goldikova set a new European record of 11 Group One wins in the Qatar Prix de la Foret.