Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Five of the most memorable winners

Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the flats racing calendar, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a blue-riband Grade I event. Bringing together some of the finest horses from the Middle East and beyond, the setting is breath-taking.

It simply makes for unmissable viewing, and all the best horse racing betting sites will be well stocked with interesting odds, as well as giving you the full picture on the runners, riders, and course conditions.

We have been treated to sublime performances over the years. But which have stood out the most? In this piece, we will reflect on five of the most memorable Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winners.

Found (2016)

It’s very rare for a trainer to bring up a 1-2-3 in one of the most prestigious races. But that’s what happened with Aiden O’Brien. After settling into her stride quickly, Found surged into the lead.

Before the big race, Found was the bridesmaid and never the bride, as she finished second in all five of her previous Group One starts. But once she burst clear at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, she never looked back. She finished a length and three-quarters ahead of Highland Reel.

But it was a special day for O’Brien as he brought home a 1-2-3, with Order Of St George rounding off the top three.

Treve (2013)

In the early 2010s, Treve was a force of nature. Despite competing in a strong field, which included Ruler Of The World, Thierry Jarnet, who rode Treve, was unfazed.

After guiding Treve into a good position, Jarnet went for broke with half a mile to go. Treve was never going to be caught, and she took the honours. 12 months later it was the same story, and in 2015, Treve went in search of a remarkable ‘three-peat’, but she finished fourth that day.

Dancing Brave (1986)

The 1986 line-up was rather spectacular, especially when you consider Acatenango, who was crowned Germany’s Horse of the Year, as well as Epsom Derby winner Sharastini, were involved.

Pat Eddery was on board Dancing Brave when he lost the Derby, and it seemed that he had misjudged his tactics at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Although he was initially one of the backmarkers heading into the outer bend, Dancing Brave motored and won with consummate ease.

Helissio (1996)

Strong-willed was one way to describe Helissio. In previous races, there had been concerns over his stamina, but they were put to bed at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Olivier Peslier, who also had the pleasure of riding super horse Stradivarius, was in complete control of Helissio. He finished a full five lengths clear of closest challenger Pilsudski, and he also had time to salute the adoring racegoers a half-furlong from the winning post. A truly remarkable performance!

Enable (2017)

Frankie Dettori and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe have an affinity that goes back a while. Indeed, in the last six years, Dettori has been in the winners’ enclosure on three occasions.

And in her Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe victory, Enable was on the coattails of the leaders heading into the last two furlongs. Then, she turned on the style as she galloped clear to put clear daylight between her and her rivals. The winning margin was three lengths, and a year later, Enable repeated the feat.

Enable provided Dettori with a lot of joy, and it was a pleasure to watch her.