Star three-year-old ACE IMPACT stormed to glory in Sunday’s Group Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) at Longchamp racecourse, France, handing trainer Jean-Claude Rouget and jockey Cristian Demuro their second win in four years in one of the world’s most prestigious races.
Now unbeaten in six starts since making his racetrack debut in January, ACE IMPACT was looking to become the fourth three-year-old to win the Paris spectacular since 2013. He did it in utter style, bursting past rivals with a furlong to go, while English challenger Westover improved on his sixth-place finish from last year to claim second, and wide outsider Onesto took third. Japanese contender Through Seven Seas plugged away to secure fourth place.
For legendary jockey Frankie Dettori, there was to be no record-extending seventh Arc win, as his final ride in the race, Free Wind, was never in the hunt. “The Arc has been a great race for me, and I am bowing out with a smile on my face,” said the 52-year-old. “Six Arc wins, what more can you say? Some great champions, and riding in 34 Arcs is a record in itself.”
