19/10 favourite, Ace Impact stayed perfect by winning his sixth start – this time at the highest level, in the Prix de l’’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamps in Paris.
He surged through, after being held up near the back of the field by Cristian Demuro, to win convincingly. Westover came second, Onesto improved into third with Japanese mare Through Seven Seas rounding off the Quartet.
Ace Impact, a son of Cracksman, is trained by Jean Claude Rouget, now one of the legends of European Turf Racing, who made a humble start to his career. In his own words he, “started with jumpers and bad flat horses” but he’s built up his yard since the mid 1990’s. “I’m like a very backward horse – I’m just maturing now. “ he jested after the famous victory. He’d previously won the Arc in 2020 with Sottsass.
Ace Impact was a query to stay the 2400 but was ideally suited by the firm ground, which aided his powerful turn of foot. Pedigree guru Charles Faull, said in summary, “Ace Impact proved too good with a skillful hold up run from second last. I think Bustino (stamina influence on the dam side) helped him stay the 2400m.”
There are exceptions, of course, yet the ability to finish quickly has long been a defining attribute of most top-class turf horses. “We always say they’re the best when a new one comes along to win, but he’s got the strongest acceleration I’ve seen, “declared Rouget proudly.
The winner did not race at two, then swept aside all opposition as a three- year-old. He won in January, then April, followed by a listed win @ Chantilly, then scored in the Prix du Jockey Club. After two months off he took out the Prix ‘d Ornano, each time showcasing his brilliant finishing speed.
The victory stake in one of the world’s iconic turf races is worth 2.52 million pounds.