As a jockey, the first time I walked around Longchamp's big track, I thought to myself 'this is fairly straightforward.' Come the race, however, and I found it quite the opposite.
As a jockey, the first time I walked around Longchamp's big track, I thought to myself 'this is fairly straightforward.' Come the race, however, and I found it quite the opposite.
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is arguably the most prestigious race in Europe and one of the three greatest races in the world. Its reputation has stood the test of time as, year after year, the great horses keep coming to Paris to compete in October.
Because the Arc is such an important race, jockeys are keyed up for it. The adrenalin is pumping when you are sitting in the stalls, and once the gates fly back, the battle commences. And, believe me, it can be a battle, bordering on rough.
The draw is important, even though the distance, 2,400m (a mile and a half) dictates it is a true middle-distance test. Once you have got your position -- if it is a good position -- you will want to hold it as long as you can.
In the Arc, they usually go too quick. Not always, but most of the time, and this means there are options. You usually find you have to make the choice early, whether to play safe, or ride for luck.
If you take the inner route, along the inside rail, you are riding for luck. And it can come off. In 1993, I rode White Muzzle, but I was beaten by Urban Sea, who got a lovely split for young Eric Saint-Martin on the inside. Luck was with Eric that day.
The Arc is never an easy race to ride. You must hold your nerve and trust your judgement. The 'false straight' comes up about 800 metres from the line, and there is a big temptation to panic, particularly when the leaders seem so far away from you. Usually, they come back.
Then the home straight appears, there is a great rush forward as everything makes its run for home. Invariably, you think you have a winning chance 200 metres out, but finish fifth or sixth.
I had a good record in the Arc, with a first, second, third and fourth. I won on Tony Bin in 1988, and it meant a great deal to me and my riding career.
This year, it is hard to go past Treve. I couldn't have had her going into last year's race, but this year she appears in top form again, and none of the winners of the trials can improve enough to beat her, in my opinion.
Thierry Jarnet, the great mare's jockey, is going for a record fifth Arc win. His first Arc triumph on Treve was probably an example of how not to ride the course. He sat five and six wide, yet hacked up. She was that good.
On the other hand, Jarnet's ride on Treve last year was copy book stuff. He stayed on the inside, saving ground, and sprinted away in the home straight. It was a first class ride.
Let's hope for another memorable Arc, and another great winner.
John Reid landed more than 2,500 winners in a riding career spanning nearly 30 years. Ulster-born Reid, now 60, won the Arc on Tony Bin (1988), the Epsom Derby on Dr Devious (1992), as well as partnering the memorable Godolphin winners, Swain (1997 King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes) and Nedawi (1998 Doncaster St Leger).
