Enable has capped a memorable season with a scintillating display in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly to give jockey Frankie Dettori a record fifth win in Europe’s premier middle distance race.
The John Gosden-trained filly lined up as the odds-on favourite after four consecutive victories at the top level in the Epsom Oaks, Irish Oaks, King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks.
The three-year-old made a fast start from barrier two and Dettori always had her well positioned behind Coolmore duo Idaho and Order Of St George.
Dettori gave Enable her head inside the final two furlongs (400m) and she quickly stamped her class, quickening clear in stunning fashion to seal a dominant success.
“I was very confident all week,” Dettori said.
“She is a tremendous filly.
“I said to John last week she is the best she has ever been. To keep this filly at 100 per cent all year is fantastic.
“She’s amazing and is an absolute freak. I love her.”
It was a second Arc success for Gosden following the victory of Golden Horn two years ago.
The trainer has ruled out the Breeders’ Cup but does have high hopes Enable will stay in training as a four-year-old.
“She’s very special and she was well positioned by Frankie in order to show her sheer class and brilliance,” Gosden said.
“It’s all about the filly and the owner-breeder Prince Khalid (Abdullah). He bred the mother and for his farm to produce something like this is exciting for us all.
“I think it would be wrong to run her again this year. I think to go to the Breeders’ Cup would be wrong, too hard on the filly.
“There would be every reason to keep her in training next year as a four-year-old, particularly with the new Longchamp opening.
“That would be exciting – to try to win the Arc on two different tracks.”
Cloth Of Stars filled the runner-up spot, 2-1/2 lengths away with Ulysses another 1-1/4 lengths third.
Ulysses finished fourth in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf and trainer Sir Michael Stoute confirmed he was likely to return to America following his valiant effort in defeat.
Ulysses was ridden by British champion jockey Jim Crowley, who said he had every chance.
“I had a lovely position throughout, tracking Enable,” he said.
“He picked up well for me when I asked him in the straight, but the winner must be an exceptional filly.”
Order Of St George, third behind stablemate Found 12 months ago, fared best of the Coolmore team in fourth.
Aidan O’Brien also saddled Idaho (eighth), Winter (ninth), Seventh Heaven (14th) and Capri (17th).
O’Brien said Order Of St George, part-owned by Australian Lloyd Williams, could head to the Long Distance Cup on British Champions day at Ascot.
