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Racing News |
Qatar Arc Day A Great Success On Every Front
04/10/09
1 (18) Sea The Stars 4/6 (F)
2 (1) Youmzain 20/1
3 (16) Cavalryman 12/1
About 49,000 racegoers witnessed a thrilling renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, won by the Irish favourite Sea the Stars. Plans are now on hold for the Christopher Tsui-owned three-year-old as he raised all the standards this season by winning the Stan James 2000 Guineas, the Investec Derby at Epsom, the Juddmonte International, the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
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He did not get the best possible passage in a hot race contested by 19 runners but proved unbeatable in the home straight.
Sea The Stars broke quite quickly from the stalls but soon took a keen hold under Mick Kinane and dropped back through the pack in the first few furlongs as the two Aidan O’Brien pacemakers stormed ahead.
Coming down the false straight, Set Sail was still around a dozen lengths clear of the field, with his stablemate Grand Ducal just behind and French filly Stacelita heading the chasing pack with Christophe Soumillon in the saddle.
Sea The Stars still had everything to do entering the straight, racing some way back and close to the rail, as Dar Re Mi moved up to challenge Stacelita in front.
But once he glimpsed daylight in front of him and engaged top gear, Sea The Stars outclassed his rivals as the entire audience at Longchamp had hoped he would. The official winning distance was two lengths, registered ahead of the astonishing Youmzain who once again flew home to collect a third runner-up spot in the Arc.
The Qatar Arc Weekend was otherwise dominated by the Aga Khan breeding and racing operation as his colours won no less than seven Group races through the two days, including five Group Ones. Injured rider Christophe Lemaire had to miss the meeting due to a collarbone injury sustained in a fall on Friday. His absence brought Christophe Soumillon back onto the racecourse as the Belgian-born jockey, who had broken an elbow on September 9, shortened his convalescence on Saturday morning to take part at Longchamp - he won the Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein (Gr2 - 1.600m) on Saturday and the Total Prix Marcel Boussac (Gr1 - 1.600m) aboard Rosanara, for the Aga Khan.
Arc reaction:
Owner Christopher Tsui remained calm on the outside but looked pretty emotional during the post-race press conference: “He’s just the best. It’s unbelievable and a great feeling. I was a little worried at one point as I saw him coming back through the field. I didn’t see everything too well but he suddenly dashed forward and then hit the front.
“I was here for Urban Sea’s victory in the Arc in 1993 with Mr (Jean) Lesbordes (Urban Sea’s trainer) and my father and was only about 12 years old at the time. This experience is very different but does bring back good memories.
“I was quite sure he was going to run in the Arc as I bought my tickets quite early! This race is important to me and my family on an emotional level as this is where everything started 16 years ago.”
Tsui was unable to give any details on the future of Sea The Stars and this will be discussed in detail with trainer John Oxx in the next few days.
Youmzain is often criticized but his record in this race is one which would be envied by many great horses. His trainer Mick Channon was both resigned and delighted, but glowing with pride. “He’s run his race again.
“Last year we were delighted but gutted and it’s the same again this time around. What can I say? He only ever runs in Group One races and he keeps coming up against great horses.
“Just look at what he’s come second to in three Arcs (Dylan Thomas 2007, Zarkava 2008 and now Sea The Stars). I’m very proud of the horse and I hope he’ll be back again next year. There’s no point in retiring him and he picked up over 900,000 euros for second today.”
Cavalryman ran a great race for Arc specialist trainer André Fabre to secure third place. Godolphin’s racing manager Simon Crisford said: “It was a fantastic run and we’re delighted. The winner is a magical horse but we’re really pleased with ours. He’ll definitely stay in training next year and will be trained in Dubai over winter and will be sporting the blue colours next year.”
Conduit was staying on bravely in the straight and the King George winner took fourth place, beaten two heads by the second and third. His handler Sir Michael Stoute was pleased with this effort. “The champion beat everyone else again! I’m delighted with Conduit and the Breeders’ Cup Turf was already on the agenda before the race so we’ll just have to see how he comes out of this race.”
Dar Re Mi looked for a moment as though she might gain just rewards for her demotion in the Group One Prix Vermeille three weeks earlier when going for home in the final straight but she was eventually overwhelmed by the stronger colts.
John Gosden was nevertheless delighted with the performance. “I’m very proud of her. She ran the best of all the fillies and mares to finish fifth behind the champion of champions. She ran a blinder and we’re thrilled to be here at this magnificent meeting. She was only beaten three lengths by Sea The Stars. She’s in the Breeders’ Cup and we may well go there.”
Stacelita did her best to stay on in the final straight but was caught by the top horses in the last furlong to settle for seventh along with La Boum. Her trainer Jean-Claude Rouget declared: “The distance was the only problem. She’s a real 10-11 furlong filly with a lot of speed. She will stay in training next year but has now finished for the season.”
