Treve retains Arc for France

A three year old daughter of Motivator, Treve was having just her fifth start on a racecourse and had been left without the services of Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani's retained rider, Frankie Dettori, after the well-known jockey was injured in a fall on Wednesday. However, with Thierry Jarnet called up to once again partner the filly he stormed to Prix de Diane victory aboard, there was very little concern over Treve's ability to perform to the best of her abilities.

Held up towards the rear of the pack, Treve made eyecatching progress under Jarnet as the field angled out of the false straight and towards the stands. Off of a pedestrian slow pace, Jarnet was switched on to the slow early fractions and ensure his mount was close enough to produce her best performance yet.

As the runners head into the stretch, the challenges of Orfevre and Kizuna began to come for Japan but the ominous sight of Treve cantering all over her rivals in a manner that Danedream would've been proud of provided the inevitable truth in the likely winner of the race.

As Jarnet unleashed the power of Treve the response was immediate, with the three year old filly powering clear to an easy five lengths success.

Orfevre performed creditibly behind, battling hard to repel the continual thrusting charge of Intello and hold on for second, but the Japanese runner would settle for second once again and could be no match for the French filly.

Kizuna, the Japanese Derby winner who seemed to be undone by the slow ground, finished well for fourth with Pengali Pavilion, Ruler of the World and Al Kazeem all performing well behind. 

Novellist was a scratch from the race on Saturday morning.

"The way she has won is brilliant," said winning trainer, Criquette Head-Maarek. "She is part of the family and is like a sister to me. I'd like to thank Frankie Dettori, I told him to give her an easy ride in her last race and to use no whip with the Arc in mind and he did, so to Frankie I send a big kiss."

"She never got any cover but no matter what numbers she faces and no matter the ground, it makes no difference.".

Treve was confirmed as being part of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani's battlehand next year, with the filly retained to stay in training next season alongside Toronado. In an age where powerhouse stallion houses search for early retirement of their stallions and mares, the arrival of Sheikh Joaan is one of fresh air and fun.

Thierry Jarnet was also a winner of the next Group I race as Moonlight Cloud laughed in the face of her rivals with an astonishing final furlong dash from last to first to win the Prix de La Foret.

Trainer by the brother of Criquette Head-Maarek, Freddie Head, Moonlight Cloud is a possible to stay in training yet again next season.