The world of international racing enjoyed a simply magical weekend at Longchamp for the two-days Arc meeting.

In the big event, Ace Impact cemented his status, with an authoritative victory, as an exceptional thoroughbred. Within the next couple of weeks, we will discover if he is to continue his career next season or take up stallion duties, or perhaps he will take in the Japan Cup first…

Last weekend was also chockablock with Gr.1 races; two went the way of the English on Saturday, followed by two more the next day, and one to the Irish. The French secured a trio, two of them the most coveted on the calendar. The Arc, of course, and the Prix de l’Opéra which saw Blue Rose Cen return to her absolute best. Capping off a productive weekend, both Gr.1 purebred Arabian events were won by French-breds.

In the weighing room, all eyes were on Frankie Dettori who was bidding farewell to Longchamp, still titleholder for the number of Arcs won, however [6]. Winless for the day, his plans may have gone somewhat awry, but his parents and legendary jockey, Yves Saint-Martin, nevertheless came specifically for his grand send-off.

Aurélien Lemaître was successful in two Gr.1s, Saturday on Sea Silk Road in the Prix de Royallieu, and the Opéra 24 hours later, but it was Maxime Guyon who must be considered the weekend’s champion with three wins on Saturday, including a brace of Gr.2s, and the Gr.1 Prix de la Forêt on the Wertheimer’s Kelina the following afternoon.

André Fabre failed to win a race on either day, which had not occurred since 2001. That notwithstanding, three records were broken and the favourites mostly produced the goods.