It was only a three horse field after the scratch of Anthony Van Dyck. Two from Aidan O’ Brien and one from John Gosden. The one from Gosden was the great mare Enable, who some foolishly thought lost a step after two losses. If that was true neither Juddmonte Farm nor Gosden would be shooting for an unprecedented third win in the Prix de Arc de Triomphe.
The Group 1 Quipco King George and Queen Elizabeth at Ascot was run in a heavy downpour and saw William Buick put Soverign on a loose and lonely lead. Frankie Dettori and Enable sat about 5 lengths back looking very confident. Ryan Moore had Japan last in third and that pair never looked as comfortable or confident as Frankie and Enable. We found out why after the last turn and in the last half mile.
Enable ranged up on Sovereign while in hand and accelerated at will when just slightly urged to open up a commanding lead and win off geared down. It was clear she was on her game and ready for more, and even better. Japan is eight hours ahead of England on the clock, but Enable was lengths ahead of Japan on the racetrack.
Soverign held for second and Japan remained in third.
The race was a win and you’re in for the Breeders’ Cup Turf but thus far no word on that for Enable. She remains the only horse to win the Arc and Breeders’ Cup Turf in the same year. To do that twice would be one of those probably never broken records in the Sport of Kings and we’d love to see a try at it but it seems doubtful. One can hope.
