Treve secures stunning Arc success at Longchamp

Treve demolished her rivals to run out a spectacular winner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

Trained by Criquette Head-Maarek, the three-year-old filly was due to be ridden by Frankie Dettori until he suffered a season-ending injury on Wednesday at Nottingham.

With Dettori sidelined, Thierry Jarnet stepped in for the ride and he never had a moment of worry as his mount powered clear of Japanese star Orfevre, who finished runner-up for the second successive year, and Intello in third.

Treve had been drawn in a supposedly unfavourable stall 15, although Head-Maarek staunchly dismissed the importance of her starting berth in the build-up to the race and her feeling proved right.

However, her wide draw meant Jarnet struggled to get early cover as Joshua Tree set a steady pace up front.

But while she was keen in the early stages, Treve made stealthy progress down the outside and appeared to be thoroughly in control as she loomed up on the turn for home.

Jarnet only had to give the signal and the Sheikh Joann Al Thani-owned filly kicked clear and never looked like stopping in front, with the jockey easing up to celebrate as he passed the line.

Orfevre, who looked certain to win last year before wandering around in front and hitting the rail, tried his best to close but had no answer to the winner’s burst.

Fellow Japanese runner Kizuna was fourth while Penglai Pavilion claimed fifth for Godolphin and Andre Fabre.

Joshua Tree faded out of it when he lost the lead and despite James Doyle giving Al Kazeem every chance he could not take a hand in the finish.

Head-Maarek said: “I want to say thank you to Frankie Dettori as he rode an amazing race on her in the Prix Vermeille. I said to save her for today and he did.

“A big kiss and thank you to Frankie, I am sorry he is not here today.

“She won so well, the way she won was incredible. She got no cover and had to come on the outside the whole way.”

Referring to the draw, she said: “When horses are that good numbers make no difference and the ground makes no difference.

“The jockey said she was travelling so easily he just let her go. I’m so proud for papa (Alec Head) who bred her and for the Sheikh. When he bought her, he said ‘I want you to win an Arc’, I said ‘I cant promise but I’ll do my best’.”

Asked if it was the highlight of her career, she replied: “Of course. To win with a filly is extra special.”

Alec Head said: “I trained some great horses but this one is really super.”