A triumph showcasing speed and endurance at the highest level
The 2023 edition of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will remain unforgettable. It was a spectacular race where strategy and intensity came together to crown an undisputed champion. As the world’s best thoroughbreds lined up at the start of this legendary race, it was Ace Impact who made history.
A Meteoric Rise
Ace Impact, trained by Jean-Claude Rouget and ridden by Cristian Demuro, stayed at the back of the field for most of the race, only to impose himself in front of approximately 35,000 spectators thanks to excellent race tactics and his class. Breaking from stall eight, the Deauville-trained horse found himself in 13th position after the gates opened. Tracking Through Seven Seas, he conserved his energy through the first four furlongs before making his move between the 400 and 200-meter marks, vaulting from ninth to second in just a few strides. He was even clocked at a stunning 43.24 mph (69.59 km/h) during this section. With flawless race management, he kicked on again, as he typically does, running the fastest final furlong. This blistering turn of foot allowed him to overtake the entire field and cover the final 200 meters in just 11.03 seconds, sealing victory over Westover. The Deauville-trained colt claimed the 102nd edition of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2:25.50, cementing his status as the favorite. Unbeaten in six starts, the horse owned by Serge Stempniak and the Haras de la Gousserie (Chehboub family) bade farewell to the track in grand style before heading to Haras de Beaumont (14).
Westover: The Worthy Challenger
Behind Ace Impact, Westover proved himself a formidable competitor, crossing the finish line in 2:25.74. Though unable to catch the winner, he displayed remarkable consistency throughout the race, especially in the 2-furlong to 1-furlong section, which he covered in 10.90 seconds, the fastest split in the field. In the closing stages, Westover kept pressing Ace Impact, forcing him to dig deep to maintain his lead.
Onesto: A Podium Finish for Consistency
The third-placed finisher, Onesto, once again showed his ability to stay among the elite. While his final burst was not as explosive as Ace Impact’s, he skillfully tracked his rivals and unleashed a strong late run to secure the third spot in the world’s most prestigious flat race. With a top speed of 42.81 mph (68.90 km/h) and an average speed of 36.85 mph (59.3 km/h), he earned a respectable time of 2:25.75.
The Day’s Disappointments: Hukum and Simca Mille
In a race featuring the world’s finest horses, only one could emerge victorious. In 2023, both Hukum and Simca Mille put up respectable performances despite high expectations. While they didn’t manage to finish in the top three, they attempted to show their best form. Hukum, with a final time of 2:26.40, maintained a steady pace throughout the race. Breaking from stall five, he remained consistent but faded in the final 200 meters, settling for ninth, just ahead of Simca Mille.
Simca Mille, piloted by Alexis Pouchin, held his position in the top four for most of the race but faltered in the final stretch, finishing tenth. Despite a solid effort, he failed to break his Group 1 win drought on French soil. Both horses, drawn wide (14 and 15), had to cover more ground, taking the long way around the outside of the field before attempting to challenge for the lead.
Looking Ahead to 2024
Based on this year’s performances, Ace Impact is well on his way to becoming a legend. The data doesn’t lie: managing energy, acceleration, and top speed are key to winning this legendary race, and Ace Impact mastered them all. However, as with every edition, surprises and emerging champions are to be expected in 2024. With just weeks to go, British bookmakers have already set their sights on potential contenders for the 103rd Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, with Sosie, winner of the Qatar Prix Niel (G2), emerging as the early favorite.
Before this key prep race for three-year-olds, the Yann and Carlos Lerner-trained colt was the favorite across the Channel. However, after finishing third in his comeback, this winner of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (G1) has seen his status waver. Meanwhile, Look de Vega passed a critical test at the distance, while Sosie confirmed his stamina over 1 mile 4 furlongs and snatched the spotlight. Already runner-up to the Wertheimer brothers’ charge in the Grand Prix de Paris (G1), and again in the Prix Niel, Jean-Claude Rouget’s Delius also saw his odds shortened. As of ten days out , Sosie, Look de Vega, and Shin Emperor top the books for the 2024 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Chloé Humbert
Crédit Photo : France Galop / Scoop Dyga