The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (commonly referred to as the “Arc”), is an iconic French flat horse race held annually at the Longchamp Racecourse in Paris. The race has been held since 1920 and is widely considered to be the most prestigious event in European flat racing. Each year, horses from around the world come to compete for the €5 million purse and the right to be crowned the champion of the Arc. But has any horse ever won the race three times?
History of the Arc
The Arc was first held in 1920 at the Longchamp Racecourse. It was created as a way to honor the French soldiers who served in World War I. The inaugural race was won by Comrade, ridden by jockey Charles Semblat. Since then, the event has grown in stature and popularity.
Notable Horses to Win the Arc
Over the years, many horses have won the Arc. Here are some of the most famous winners:
- Myrtille, the first mare to win the Arc in 1921.
- Ksar, the first horse to win the Arc and the Prix de l’Espérance in 1922.
- Sea Bird, the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 1965.
- Alleged, who won the Arc in 1977 and 1978.
- Trempolino, who won the Arc in 1987.
- Sagace, who won the Arc in 1984 and 1985.
- Rail Link, who won the Arc in 2006.
- Treve, who won the Arc in 2013, 2014, and 2017.
Has Any Horse Won the Arc 3 Times?
The answer to this question is yes. The only horse to have ever won the Arc three times is Treve, a French filly who won the race in 2013, 2014, and 2017. She is the only horse in history to have ever achieved this feat.
The 2013 Arc
Treve won her first Arc in 2013. The race was hard-fought, with Treve and Orfevre neck and neck to the finish line. In the end, Treve was declared the winner by a head. It was an incredible achievement for the filly, as she became the first horse in 19 years to win the race on her first attempt.
The 2014 Arc
In 2014, Treve returned to the Arc with a vengeance. She was the heavy favorite to win the race and she did not disappoint. She won by an impressive four lengths, making her the first horse since Alleged to win the race in consecutive years.
The 2017 Arc
Treve’s third and final victory at the Arc came in 2017. She was up against a tough field of horses, but she still managed to come out on top. She won by a length and a half, becoming the first horse in history to win the race three times.
Legacy of Treve
Treve is an icon in the world of horse racing. Not only did she win the Arc three times, but she also won several other prestigious races, such as the Prix de Diane and the Prix Vermeille. She retired in 2018 with a record of 23 wins in 33 starts.
Conclusion
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the most prestigious races in the world. Over the years, many horses have won the race, but only one has ever managed to win it three times: Treve. She is an icon in the world of horse racing and her legacy will live on for years to come.