Long-shot filly Danedream raced away from the field in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday, capturing a five-length victory over Shareta in Europe's most prestigious flat race.
The 23-1 Danedream, a late addition to the 16-horse field, covered the 2,625-yard Longchamp racecourse in 2 minutes, 24.49 seconds to break the race record set by Peintre Celebre in 1997. The 3-year-old filly became the first Arc champion from Germany since Star Appeal in 1975.
Snow Fairy finished third, a neck behind Shareta.
''The race was quite fast,'' winning rider Andrasch Starke said. ''Just before I got into the last bend, I was so confident. I had a really good position, and she was traveling so well. . . . I moved out and she won easy.''
Danedream was trained by Peter Schiergen, a former rider who finished third at the Arc in 1998.
Danedream took advantage of a good draw, breaking from stall No. 2 near the inside rail to stay well placed throughout the race.
Sarafina, the favorite, could not overcome her poor draw. She raced from stall No. 13 to finish seventh.
Workforce was attempting to become the first back-to-back champion since Alleged won for a second time in 1978. But the 4-year-old colt never contended and finished 12th.
Danedream also won the Baden Grand Prix and the Berlin Grand Prix.
