Treve wins the 2014 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Everything conspired to go against Treve but she showed her unquestionable class and determination when taking Sunday’s Gr1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
Despite having a pacemaker, Altaira, the gallop was funeral and consequently Thierry Jarnet found himself involved in a wrestling match as he struggled to settle Treve.
Rounding the home turn, Treve appeared in trouble as Flintshire set sail for home in the hands of Vincente Cheminaud.
But Jarnet, desperate not to ask the mare a serious question, gave her one tap and put her head on the line where it mattered to make it a fifth Group One victory.
Dolniya arrived late under Christophe Soumillon to finish third without ever threatening the mare.
Winning trainer Criquette Head-Maarek, who was understandably delighted, blew kisses at the spectators, said: “It was fantastic. She won very easily, she just needed a tap to make her go.
“She’s a good filly. We don’t know what she’s worth really.
“I was never worried. She was a little on her toes before the race but Thierry rode her beautifully.
“I’m delighted as Flintshire (second behind Treve in last year’s Arc De Triomphe) is a very good horse. It’s just a dream.
“The plan is to give her a break and then bring her back for the Vermeille before the Arc.”
“I was never worried. She was a little on her toes before the race but Thierry rode her beautifully”
Treve is now the 2-1 favourite, from 5-2 with Coral, to make it a historic third victory in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October.
Derby winner Golden Horn, who runs in Saturday’s Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, is next best at 5-1 and Jack Hobbs, Saturday’s impressive Irish Derby winner, gets an 8-1 quote.
Harry Herbert, racing advisor to owners Al Shaqab Racing, was also impressed with the five-year-old’s performance.
“Absolutely fantastic,” said Herbert. “It just shows she’s as good as ever or better than ever because it was a very impressive performance on ground that was certainly quicker than ideal.
“She was a little bit free, but Thierry got her beautifully settled and she’s just a champion.
“The next stop is the Vermeille. It’s fingers crossed. Everything’s gone well so far and it’s been a great performance by Criquette.
“We hope now the plan can be executed. We’re halfway through the plan.”
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