Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe third Persian King is heading for retirement and will be sent to stud after an elusive career that has seen him land big Group One success.
This season Persian King needed his first run of the season, but was back on top form landing a Group Two and another Group One last time out, before his third in the Arc.
He stepped up for the Prix Jacques le Marois and had to settle for fourth behind Circus Maximus, but got back to his best when taking the Group One Prix du Moulin at Longchamp seeing off Pinatubo.
He was being stepped up to 1m4f for the first time in his career for his run in the Arc, with the furthest he has gone before being 10.5 furlongs last year when finishing second to Sottsass in the Prix du Jockey Club.
Decisive! Persian King and @PCBOUDOT win the Group 1 Prix du Moulin for André Fabre at @paris_longchamp! pic.twitter.com/RfihTHFWoQ
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 6, 2020
Unfortunately, although running a big race in the prestigious Group One on Saturday he could only finish third and will now stand at Haras d’Etreham stud in France.
Having won three Group Ones during his career including the French 2000 Guineas, Prix du Moulin and Prix d'Ispahan he is set to be an expensive horse at stud.
“I was pleased with his race and we had no excuses, I think he ran well,” said Fabre.
“It was his first run over that distance and the ground was very soft. Perhaps if it wasn’t he may have held on. Who knows.
“I don’t think he’ll run again not, probably not. Ascot will come too soon and I don’t want to travel to America.”
Although the four year old does have an option in the British Champions Stakes it looks very unlikely he will take that up and it looks as though the Arc will be the last time he will be seen on a racecourse.