• Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe

Tremendous Treve cruises to Arc glory

ESPN staff
October 6, 2013
Treve demolished her rivals on the home straight to win the Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe © AP
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Treve put in a tremendous performance to win the Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp and continue its unbeaten record.

The undefeated filly recovered from a poor draw to destroy her rivals on the home straight and finish well clear of favourite Orfevre, who for the second year running had to settle for second in its bid to provide Japan with its first ever Arc winner. French Derby winner Intello held on for third.

Frankie Dettori, who had previously ridden in 25 consecutive Arc races, was due to ride the well-backed second favourite before he suffered a season-ending ankle injury days before the Europe's richest turf race.

Thierry Jarnet took over the reins for the injured Dettori and did not disappoint in the saddle, timing his assault perfectly in the final furlongs to earn victory for Criquette Head-Maarek stable.

In September, Treve provided Dettori with his first Group One winner in the Qatar Prix Vermeille - also at Longchamp - since he returned from his drugs ban. But it proved to be Arc heartbreak for Dettori, who fractured his ankle during a freak pre-race accident at Nottingham on Wednesday.

However, amid the celebrations, Head-Maarek paid tribute to Dettori for his role in preparing Treve for the race.

"I want to say thank you to Frankie Dettori because he rode an amazing race on her in the Vermeille - he saved her for today," Head-Maarek told Channel 4 Racing.

"She didn't have the best of races. She was never covered up, she had to go wide all the way. But that's what happens when you have really great horses. The [draw] number they have the start and the ground make no difference.

"This has to be the best moment. I was going to retire but I'm not going to now."

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