Dubai:

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1), Europe’s most famous race, was a triumph for jockeyship as the master tactician Ryan Moore produced another scintillating ride aboard perpetual bridesmaid, Found, to lead home a one-two-three onslaught for Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien.

An imposing daughter of the great Gallileo, Found had finished a frustrating runner-up in five of her starts this season prior to the 2,400 metre contest which, with prize money of €5 million (Dh20.4 million), is the world’s richest turf race.

However, it looked like she saved her best for the Chantilly showpiece, producing an imperious final two furlongs to win handsomely by 1 3/4 lengths from stable companion Highland Reel (Seamie Herrernan) with another O’Brien protege, Order Of St. George grabbing the third spot in the hands of Frankie Dettori.

The Italian has done many outlandish things in his colourful career, but perhaps never before has he kissed a fellow jockey the way he did an astonished Moore after the race. “This is Europe’s biggest race and to win it again is quite amazing,” said Moore, who won the Arc in 2010 aboard Workforce.

Postponed, the 15-8 favourite who is owned by Epsom Derby-winner Shaikh Mohammad Obaid Al Maktoum, appeared to have every chance entering the straight alongside Found, he could not find the acceleration that has given him five significant victories this year, and was ultimately a well-beaten fifth. Newmarket handler Roger Varian took the defeat in his stride and said: (Atzeni) said he felt great going to the post, but after breaking well he was trapped three wide early on and couldn’t get in.

Great feeling

“It meant he met the big bend on the wrong lead and then he didn’t quicken up like he can. “It’s a feeling of disappointment as we went in hoping we would win, but the main thing is we still have a horse to go to war with and we can take him home and see how he comes out of it.”

O’Brien was delighted to win a second Arc after Dylan Thomas in 2007 and said: “It’s a great feeling to saddle the first three home in an Arc, there’s not much to beat it, but it’s all down to a fantastic team effort.

“It’s a privilege to be here and be part of it. How can you see anything higher [in his career] than this? I couldn’t dream this would happen. You know how difficult the Arc is.”

Meanwhile, Godolphin’s Wuheida won the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac for Charlie Appleby and William Buick.

British bookmakers Sky Bet slashed Wuheida to 10/1 favourite (from 20s) for the 2107 English 1,000 Guineas but Appleby has his eyes on the Oaks.

“We did not expect her to win like that, but we knew stepping up to a mile was the way forward,” he said.

“She saw out that trip well, and I’ve always thought of her as an Oaks filly. The further she goes, the better she’ll be.”

“It’s Dubawi’s first Group One winner as a two-year-old, so that’s such a nice feather in the cap. It was a fantastic ride by William.”

See also C4