Enable completed her British career with a resounding victory in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York.
The 10th Group One win of her brilliant career was the final time she will set foot on a track in the United Kingdom, with her final race coming in October when she attempts to make history by winning a third successive Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – something never done before.
Having tasted victory in England, Ireland, France and America – Enable is on course to be one of the greatest race horses ever seen.
Trainer John Gosden was delighted with how things went, and he thinks it was ideal preparation for the Arc.
“She’s not a filly that likes to be let all the way down, so between the King George and the Arc was too big a gap. She prefers to be let down a little and then brought back up for a race,” he said.
“This was a nice stepping stone to the Arc. But I’m very aware of the three-year-old colts – we saw a nice one win here in Japan, and Jean-Claude (Rouget) has a nice horse (Sottsass) who won the Prix du Jockey Club – I thought he looked exceptional.
“She’s got tough competition from the three-year-old boys – and there’s always going to be a sneaky three-year-old filly in there, that’s for sure.”
Gosden ruled out taking Enable back to America and a repeat Breeders’ Cup bid, so it appears highly likely ParisLongchamp will be her final outing.
“She’s already won a Breeders’ Cup – to go out there again on fast ground after the Arc, I don’t think that would be fair,” said the trainer.
“Prince Khalid (Abdullah, owner) has always been a huge supporter of the Breeders’ Cup. But I just think that is asking too much – she’s given her all.”
After her win on the Knavesmire, Bookmakers have made her odds-on to win the third Arc.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “Enable’s superstar status reached new heights this afternoon and after today’s performance she deserves to be odds-on for the Arc.”