Any discussion about the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe inevitably begins and often concludes with Andre Fabre.
The former jump jockey has claimed Europe’s prestigious race a record eight times since his first runner in 1983. He didn’t have to wait long for his initial victory; Trempolino, ridden by Pat Eddery, won in 1987, breaking the track record set just a year prior by Dancing Brave.
Fabre had to wait another five years for his second triumph but went on to dominate the event throughout the 1990s. He secured wins with Subotica (1992), Carnegie (1994), Peintre Celebre (1997), and Sagamix (1998), solidifying his status as a leading figure in French flat racing.
While only Peintre Celebre among those champions is regarded as a true great, Fabre's talent is evident in his ability to secure such a prestigious title with horses he would consider "not champions."
"The race is seen as the best in Europe due to its timing. It occurs when the three-year-olds have had a chance to mature, and the ground conditions can favour stamina, creating an even playing field," Fabre explained."
"My first runner was Zalataia in 1983. She was a good horse, finishing eighth to All Along. I had a few more attempts before winning."
He fondly recalls Trempolino, describing him as "very special" for being his first Arc winner. "He was a fantastic horse who ran second in the Breeders’ Cup, carrying the same weight as older horses," Fabre noted.
Five years later, Subotica, who was second in the Prix du Jockey Club the previous year, triumphed over a competitive field. "He was good at the right time, not a champion, but he had a good ride from Thierry Jarnet," Fabre said.
Two years later, Fabre delivered Sheikh Mohammed’s first Arc victory with Carnegie, a horse well-bred for the occasion. "Carnegie was by Sadler’s Wells out of Detroit, who won the Arc in 1980. He was a very good horse," Fabre added.
However, any conversation with Fabre is incomplete without mentioning his 1997 winner, Peintre Celebre, whom he calls the best horse he has ever trained. "He had exceptional acceleration and could win races in just a few strides," Fabre said.
"Peintre Celebre won the Prix du Jockey Club, Grand Prix de Paris, and the Arc in 1997, a feat not accomplished since the 1940s. He was the horse of the year, winning by five lengths against Pilsudski, Helissio, and Swain."
Fabre celebrated again in 1998 with Sagamix, a horse who required careful training. "He didn’t run at two, so winning the Arc with him was a significant achievement," Fabre remarked.
In 2005, Hurricane Run redeemed a near-miss in the Prix du Jockey Club earlier that year. "He was a great horse who only lost to Shamardal in the Jockey Club," Fabre recalled. "He won the Irish Derby, Prix Niel, and the Arc with a brilliant ride from Kieren Fallon."
A year later, Rail Link triumphed in a competitive Arc featuring Hurricane Run and Deep Impact. "It surprised me that none of my Arc winners became great stallions. Rail Link was injured and couldn’t run at four, and Hurricane Run was not fertile," Fabre lamented.
After a 13-year drought, Waldgeist won in 2019, notably denying Enable the chance to become the first horse to win the Arc three times. "It was a great race, and Pierre-Charles Boudot delivered a fantastic ride," Fabre reflected.
With eight Arc victories in his past, Fabre could easily host his own Arc, but he has no hesitation in declaring Peintre Celebre as the standout among his champions. "He was special; I’ve been fortunate to train many great horses, but he was the best."