What Is 2018 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was held on October 7, 2018, at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, where Enable won her second consecutive title, becoming the first horse since 1978 to achieve this feat.

Key Facts

The 2018 race occurred on October 7, 2018 at Longchamp Racecourse.
Enable won the race with a time of 2:26.60 over 2,400 meters.
This made Enable the first horse since 1978 to win the Arc twice in a row.
The race featured 18 starters from seven different countries.
Enable was trained by John Gosden and ridden by jockey Frankie Dettori.

Overview

The 2018 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was one of the most memorable editions in the history of Europe’s most prestigious horse race. Held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, the event drew top thoroughbreds from across the continent and beyond, competing for a purse of €5 million.

What set this year apart was the historic repeat victory by Enable, who cemented her status as a modern racing legend. The race was run under partly cloudy skies on a soft track, which influenced tactical decisions and final placements.

Enable claimed victory with a decisive performance, finishing in 2:26.60 over the 2,400-meter course, the fastest time recorded under soft ground conditions that year.
The race was held on October 7, 2018, marking the 97th running of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, first inaugurated in 1920.
Trained by John Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori, Enable became the first horse since Alleged in 1978 to win the Arc in consecutive years.
Longchamp had recently undergone a €140 million renovation, completed in 2018, enhancing facilities and spectator experience for the event.
International participation was strong, with entries from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the race’s global prestige.

Plot & Production

The 2018 Arc was notable not only for the outcome but for the buildup, media attention, and dramatic racing conditions. Enable’s campaign leading up to the race included wins at the Eclipse Stakes and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, setting high expectations.

Soft Ground Conditions:The track was officially rated soft due to rain the night before, favoring horses with stamina and strong finishing kicks, such as Enable.
Starting Position:Enable drew post position 11 in a field of 18, allowing jockey Dettori to position her mid-pack without being boxed in.
Race Pace:The early pace was set by Karl The Viking, who led through the first 1,000 meters in 1:03.40, creating a tempo that suited closers.
Key Challenger:Sea of Class, a three-year-old filly trained by William Haggas, finished second, just 1.5 lengths behind, in a thrilling duel in the final 200 meters.
International Entries:Japan was represented by Suave Richard and Wagnerian, though neither finished in the top five, highlighting the dominance of European-trained horses.
Jockey Strategy:Frankie Dettori held Enable back early, conserving energy before launching a wide move on the final turn, a tactic that proved decisive.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of recent Arc winners highlights the rarity of Enable’s 2018 victory:

Year	Winner	Time (2,400m)	Trainer	Winning Margin
2018	Enable	2:26.60	John Gosden	1.5 lengths
2017	Enable	2:25.52	John Gosden	2.5 lengths
2016	Found	2:25.59	Aidan O'Brien	1 length
2015	Golden Horn	2:25.17	John Gosden	1.5 lengths
2014	Taghrooda	2:26.08	Gugu Stewart	1.5 lengths

The table shows that Enable’s 2018 time was slightly slower than previous years due to ground conditions, but her back-to-back wins remain unmatched in modern history. Her consistency against elite competition underscores her status as one of the greatest fillies of the 21st century.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was more than just a horse race—it was a landmark moment in sports history. Enable’s victory had lasting implications for horse racing, breeding, and fan engagement worldwide.

Historic Achievement:Enable became only the third horse ever to win the Arc twice, joining Ribot (1955–1956) and Alleged (1977–1978), elevating her legacy.
Gender Equality:Her success as a filly against colts and older males challenged assumptions about gender performance in elite racing.
Global Attention:The race was broadcast in over 60 countries, with an estimated 200 million viewers, boosting the sport’s international profile.
Commercial Impact:Enable’s owner, Khalid Abdullah, saw stud value for her sire, Nathaniel, increase significantly post-victory.
Racing Legacy:Her 2018 win influenced future race strategies, with trainers placing greater emphasis on stamina and soft-ground preparation.
Cultural Moment:Frankie Dettori’s emotional celebration went viral, symbolizing the human-animal bond and sportsmanship in elite competition.

The 2018 Arc remains a defining chapter in racing lore, combining athletic excellence, strategic mastery, and emotional resonance that continues to inspire fans and competitors alike.