2006 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Rail Link wins the 2006 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Rail Link wins the 2006 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp over Pride and Deep Impact

© Vanessa Ng

The 2 million Euro Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) at Longchamp in Paris is the most prestigious race in Europe, with the best middle-distance horses in training going the classic distance of 2400 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) over the "Grande Piste" turf course. Only eight horses went to post, the smallest field since 1941, with Japanese invader Deep Impact sent off as the 1-2 odds-on favorite over 4-1 local hope and defending champion Hurricane Run from the powerful barn of trainer Andre Fabre. Last year's Breeders' Cup Turf winner Shirocco was sent off as the 9-2 third choice while the rest were given little regard by the bettors.

• Rail Link wins the 2006 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
• Down the stretch in the Arc
• Rail Link gets his winner's blanket
• The trophy presentation
• Arc winner Rail Link
• Second place finisher Pride
• Third place finisher and beaten favorite Deep Impact
• Fourth place finisher Hurricane Run
• Last place finisher Shirocco
• The three big favorites in the post parade