Danedream wins Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
October 2, 2011PARIS (AP) - Long shot filly Danedream raced away from the field in the last 250 meters of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday to capture a five-length victory over Shareta in Europe's most prestigious flat race.
The 23-1 Danedream, a late addition to the 16-horse field, covered the 2,400-meter Longchamp racecourse in 2 minutes, 24.49 seconds to break the race record set by Peintre Celebre in 1997. The 3-year-old filly became the first Arc champion from Germany since Star Appeal in 1975.
Snow Fairy finished third, a neck behind Shareta.
Danedream, with Andrasch Starke up, took advantage of a good draw, breaking from stall No. 2 near the inside rail to stay well placed throughout the race.
Sarafina, the favorite, could not overcome a poor draw as she raced from stall No. 13 to finish seventh.
Workforce was attempting to become the first back-to-back champion since Alleged won for a second time in 1978. But the 4-year-old colt never contended and finished 12th.
The Peter Schiergen-trained Danedream also won the Baden Grand Prix and the Berlin Grand Prix.