Frankie Dettori now stands alone as the most successful rider in the history of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, after storming to victory at Chantilly on board the appropriately-named Enable.
The Italian-born jockey was always expected to have a big chance as the horse entered the race as the 10-11 favourite, a tag amply justified when Enable took an early lead by passing the Aiden O'Brien-trained pair of Idaho and Order Of St George and never let up. While the rest of the field was still in touch as the finish approached, she pulled away with two furlongs to go to complete a textbook race.
It was the second time in three years that Dettori has won the race in partnership with trainer John Gosden, following their 2015 triumph on Golden Horn.
Dettori won his first Arc back in 1995 when he rode Lammtara to victory. He then enjoyed subsequent wins with Sakhee in 2001 and Marienbard on 2002.
Speaking about his latest ride to glory, Dettori said he was always confident, remarking: "I was very confident all week. She is a tremendous filly."
Gosden was equally full of praise for Enable, saying: She's very special and she was well positioned by Frankie in order to show her sheer class and brilliance.
"It's all about the filly and the owner-breeder Prince Khalid [Abdullah]. He bred the mother and for his farm to produce something like this is exciting for us all.
"I think it would be wrong to run her again this year. I think to go to the Breeders' Cup would be wrong, too hard on the filly."
He added that it is possible the horse may run again in next year's Arc, which will be held at the new Longchamp following its redevelopment. The thought of Dettori on board again will have punters rushing to back him and the rest of the field quaking in their riding boots.
Racing fans will recognise the enduring brilliance of a jockey who continues to reach new heights and shows no sign of letting up. Those booking corporate hospitality for the Epsom Derby Festival next June will have few better reasons to do so than the chance to see the record-breaking jockey in action while enjoying superb facilities and the atmosphere of one of Britain's greatest sporting and social occasions.
Enable may be there too, having secured the first of her five group one race victories this year in the Epsom Oaks.
Another horse that will be seen at Epsom next year is the Mark Johnson-trained Dee Ex Bee, who has won a wildcard entry to the 2018 Derby.
The Class 2 Totepool Conditions Stakes, which was run on Sunday, offered a novel new opportunity to make the Derby field and with the same Epsom course giving the winner the chance to show they were capable of turning in a winning display at the venue.
Dee Ex Bee certainly did that, beating Move Over into second and following up a debut victory at Glorious Goodwood in August. The horse will now definitely be one to watch over the coming months.