2007 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Dylan Thomas wins the 2007 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Dylan Thomas wins the 2007 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in Paris

© Vanessa Ng

The €2 million (about $2.83 million US) 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. Twelve older horses including 1 filly went to post, with Juddmonte International Stakes and English Derby winner Authorized sent off as the 11-10 favorite over the four-horse entry trained by Aidan O'Brien, going off as the 5-2 second choice, which includes Irish Champion Stakes and King George and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Dylan Thomas. Jockey Kieren Fallon was allowed to ride Dylan Thomas in the Arc, but is serving a suspension in England that is also enforced in America. 4-year-old Mandesha was the only filly in the field, coming off a 2nd place finish in the Prix Fox at Longchamp also at 2400 meters, against males. Racing conditions were ideal with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 60's. Rain earlier in the week rendered the course soft on Saturday but by Arc day the course had improved to a "good-to-soft" rating.

• Dylan Thomas wins the 2007 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
• Down the stretch in the Arc
• Dylan Thomas with his winner's blanket
• Celebrating after the win
• Second place finisher Youmzain
• Third place finisher Sagara
• Beaten favorite and 10th place finisher Authorized