Arc de Triomphe hero Waldgeist retired, to stand in Ireland

Waldgeist, who upset Enable in what was his final start, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, has retired to stand at stud in Ireland, it was announced Tuesday.

The 5-year-old by Galileo won nine of 21 starts, with four of those victories at the Group 1 level, while running for the connections of trainer Andrew Fabre as well as owners Gestut Ammerland and Newsells Park Stud.

“He showed me early that he was very good," Fabre said, according to the Racing Post. "He won a Group 1 at 2 and progressed all the way to win the Arc.

“He had a fantastic attitude to training and racing, acted on any ground, and had a great turn of foot. He was very sound both mentally and physically and I'm confident that he has everything it takes to make a top stallion.”

Waldgeist's late punch was on display in the Arc as Enable looked to be running off with a historic third straight victory in Europe's most prestigious race. But heavy ground got to the mare, and Waldgeist swept by to cap his career.

The horse also made a trek to the U.S. in late 2018, running fifth in the Breeders' Cup Turf won by Enable.

Waldgeist will stand at Ballylinch Stud along with, among others, the former Ammerland runner Lope De Vega.