Brilliant Ace Impact wins Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after electrifying finish

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Ace Impact wins the Prix de l
Ace Impact wins the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Image: RACINGFOTOS.COM)

Ace Impact displayed an amazing turn of foot as he raced to glory in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.

Unbeaten in five runs for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget, the French Derby winner was trying 12 furlongs for the first time in the European middle-distance championship.

Employing his usual waiting tactics, Cristian Demuro settled Ace Impact at the back of the field before unleashing his electrifying burst in the closing stages to overhaul the gallant Westover and pull away for an impressive triumph.

Rouget said: "I won with Sottsass three years ago, it was incredible because I started in Pau a long time ago. It's a long way (journey of training career) and two Arcs in four years is fantastic."

British hope Westover was a gallant second for trainer Ralph Beckett and jockey Rob Hornby who gave him a perfect ride around the inside. Onesto ran on well into third place.

St Leger winner Continuous stayed on strongly to finish fifth for jockey Ryan Moore.

Hukum, the most fancied British hope, was prominent turning into the straight but faded to finish in mid division.

Frankie Dettori, riding in his final Arc before his imminent retirement, could only manage 13th of the 15 runners on Free Wind.

Jason Heavey

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