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Solemia Scores A Shocking Triumph in The Arc

By Racing Correspondent | 07 Oct 2012 |


Solemia

Poliglote’s Solemia scored an awesome victory in the G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, pounding  down on the Japanese raider Orfevre, in the shadow of the winning post. The win gave the trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias his first Arc triumph, while it was the fourth success for the rider, Oliver Peslier. 

Solemia was tracking the leading trio easily, in a prominent position and was in second 3 furlongs out. Oliver had the filly in front with 2 ½ furlongs left but was soon headed by Orfevre but the 7-2 favourite started to veer right. Sizing the opportunity, Oliver Peslier pressed hard on Solemia, who wore down on the leader, to shatter the Japanese dreams in the last strides. Masterstroke finished third a further seven lengths adrift.

"I was looking through my binoculars and with 200 metres to run I thought we were going to be second," said trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias. "I was happy to be second but when I saw Olivier change the whip I knew he thought he could win because he never gives a hard race to a horse.”  Speaking more on the victory, he added,” It is a really great day, and to win the Arc with all my friends and family around me is a moment to savor."