Not A Race – It’s A Monument

Treve wins the 2013 Arc

Sunday heralds the running of the Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp and this year’s purse bump to €5 million will make the Arc the world’s richest turf race and second-richest horse race behind the Dubai World Cup.

It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2400 metres , and is usually run on the first Sunday in October.

Its roll of honour features many highly acclaimed horses, and its winners are often subsequently regarded as champions.

A slogan of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, first used on a promotional poster in 2003, describes the event as “Ce n’est pas une course, c’est un monument” – “It’s not a race, it’s a monument”.

Frankie Dettori looks odds-on to claim the ride on Ruler Of The World  following the decision of the colt’s trainer, Aidan O’Brien, to also run Chicquita in the race.

Harry Herbert, the manager to Al Shaqab Racing, who co-own Ruler Of The World with Coolmore, told the Racing Post on Monday: “If Chicquita runs – and I believe that is the plan – I think Frankie will ride Ruler Of The World, with Joseph O’Brien on Chicquita.”

Dettori was robbed of riding the easy 2013 Arc winner Treve, also owned by Al Shaqab, after suffering a foot injury and was surprisingly passed over for the ride on her in this year’s renewal after trainer Criquette Head-Maarek insisted that Thierry Jarnet, who rode the filly to victory last year, should take the mount.

Dettori guided Ruler Of The World to a smooth success on Arc Trials day at Longchamp earlier this month, but Joseph O’Brien was expected to take the mount until his father declared on Sunday that Chicquita was also set to represent him. Herbert explained: “We want Frankie to ride him – I thought he was impressive on Ruler Of The World last time. He rides Longchamp very well and knows the track like the back of his hand. His experience in races like the Arc is all important.”

Treve’s chances were given a minor boost when rain fell in Paris on Monday, six days before her bid to retain her crown. Treve has lost all three of her races so far this season but Herbert reported that all has gone well since her latest run on Arc Trials day in the Prix Vermeille, when she was fourth to Baltic Baroness.

“Treve is in good form. They had rain in Paris this week, so the more of that the better as far as making it good or on the easier side of good, which would suit her best.

“They have had a little bit of rain and it all helps, but Criquette reports her to be very well and fingers crossed we’re nearly there. There’s no way I’ve lost faith in her. If she gets her ground and she will have needed the run last time as well – hopefully she will go to the Arc spot-on.”

Al-Shaqab have an equally strong contender as part-owners in the Elie-Lellouche-trained Ectot, who was an eye-catching winner of the Prix Niel at the same meeting on his first try at a mile and a half after a five-month lay-off.

“Ectot worked this morning and did it very nicely. It was his last gentle piece before the weekend,” Herbert said. “It was a bold move to run him over a mile and a half by Elie first time after a lay-off. It said a lot about the horse. He was very impressive and will come on a lot for that run, obviously, match-fitness wise. He showed a terrific turn of foot. I was impressed.”

The full card will be televised live on Tellytrack Dstv 239 and Saftote betting facilities will be available.