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7 Oct 2018

Brilliant Enable gains second Arc triumph

Enable moments after securing back-to-back Arc triumphs. Picture: Steven Cargill/Racingfotos.com

Enable became only the eighth horse to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe twice when overcoming a troubled preparation to land the Qatar-sponsored showpiece in thrilling fashion at ParisLongchamp.

The John Gosden-trained filly, a three-time winner of QIPCO British Champions Series races last year, was a brilliant winner of the Arc when it was held at Chantilly last season – but had been restricted to just one run this term, when successful at Kempton four weeks ago.

Frankie Dettori had the even-money favourite perfectly-placed on the heels of the leaders before he kicked for home.

It proved crucial, as the line came just in time for her – but not soon enough for another Champions Series star in Sea Of Class, who had scooped the Darley Yorkshire Oaks on her previous start.

Drawn out wide, the William Haggas-trained filly was dropped out last by James Doyle and was still a long way off the pace rounding the home turn.

She rattled home once in the clear to set up an epic finish, but Enable had just enough in the tank to claim a popular victory by a short neck.

Gosden said: “It’s not been the preparation we wanted, it’s been very difficult. I actually had a hiccup between Kempton and here with a slight temperature, so it has not been easy.

“She wasn’t at her best today. I’ve had a difficult year with her. She’s a wonderful filly and it’s an enormous sense of relief.”

Gosden raised the possibility of Enable staying in training as a five-year-old. “Prince Khalid will make the final decision on whether she comes back,” he said.

Two other fillies who have shone in the Series this summer won supporting races on the card.

Wild Illusion, trained by Charlie Appleby, landed the Prix de l’Opera under William Buick.

Mabs Cross gained a well-deserved Group One triumph in the Prix de l’Abbaye, after an agonising defeat in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York.

“That will be it now for this year and I’m looking forward to her coming back and going for all the top sprints next season,” said trainer Michael Dods.