No matter how many times you watch the finish to this year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, it’s still hard to believe that Orfevre (JPN) didn’t win the race. The Japanese Triple Crown winner looked for all intents and purposes to be a sure winner inside the final furlong but couldn’t maintain his run and was nipped by Solemia (IRE) in the shadow of the winning post.
2012 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Video: Solemia pulls the upset
Below is the video from the 2012 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe from the French racing authority. You’ll need to practice up on your French to understand what the announcers are talking about so here are some crib notes on what to look for:
- Solemia is in the light blue silks near the front of the field in the early stages. She’ll be passed by Orfevre at the beginning of the stretch and then switch out and make a spirited run to the wire.
- Orfevre is at the back of the pack in black silks with a red “X”. He powers to the front with a quarter mile to go but then begins to drift towards the rail, a sign of a tired horse.
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