HORSE RACING FIXTURES AND RESULTS

Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe 2016: Will Makahiki make an Impact?

Ben Fearnley looks back at the near misses that Japanese-trained runners have had in the Arc, as well as assessing this year's challenger Makahiki from a Timeform ratings perspective.

Japanese-trained horses have become synonymous with Europe’s richest Flat race and end of season crown jewel, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, so much so that it felt a little strange that the country was not represented in the 2015 renewal won by Golden Horn.

Japan had fielded at least one runner in each of the previous five renewals, including three in 2014, though the many travelling supporters of Harp Star, Just A Way and Gold Ship were ultimately left disappointed once again as all three finished outside of the places. The Japanese support at Longchamp also added plenty to the 2006 renewal, and the Timeform report noted that the race was more likely to last in the memory for the astonishing pre-race betting patterns rather than the contest itself, which saw the Andre Fabre-trained Rail Link prevail by a neck from Pride. The subject of the heavy market support was Deep Impact, who, due to the extent of the fanatical support of the several thousand Japanese fans at Longchamp, opened up on course at 10/1-on.

Timeform’s report on Deep Impact’s Arc run is certainly worth reviewing: