Arc analysis: 'He emerges with great credit from a most unpromising position'

Although plenty of big names were missing, notably Baaeed, Desert Crown, Adayar and Pyledriver, there was still a maximum field for the 101st running of Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday.

Heavy rain in the lead-up would have opened the ground up again and a good pace set by the leading hope from Japan, Titleholder, ensured there was no hiding place.

Racing Post Ratings assessment: the race can be rated in line with the performance of the winner last year, who did really well to take third from a wide draw this time around; the first two and fourth all posted personal bests.

2022 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp: full result and replay

1 Alpinista (7-2f)

Alpinista wasn't in last year's race, won by Torquator Tasso, whom she'd readily beaten at Hoppegarten two months prior, but the 2022 edition had been her target ever since, and she came in bidding for a sixth straight win at Group 1 level, with August's triumph in the Yorkshire Oaks being a career best. Just a second ever runner in the race for her trainer (Foreign Affairs was tenth in 2001), the downpour before the race appeared a concern but it couldn't blunt her class, the daughter of Frankel travelling smoothly in a perfect position throughout, with her rider resisting the temptation to go too soon, seeing it out well to become the first five-year-old mare to win the race since 1937. It's over two years since she last tasted defeat.

2 Vadeni (9-1)

Vadeni, winner of the Prix du Jockey Club and Eclipse, emerged with a deal of credit from the Irish Champion Stakes, a race his master trainer used as a prep for his 2020 Arc winner Sottsass, and he was able to reverse form with his conquerors from that race on this first try at 1m4f, just never quite looking like getting to the winner.

3 Torquator Tasso (7-1)

Torquator Tasso, who came with a withering late run to cause a huge shock on bottomless ground 12 months ago, has been brought along slowly with this race in mind all season and every inch of rain that fell before the race was in his favour. His draw in stall 18 wasn't, however, and despite staying on dourly down the outside under a different rider this time around, he never quite looked like getting to his old rival.

4 Al Hakeem (20-1)

Al Hakeem, a stablemate of the runner-up, had finished fourth in the Prix du Jockey Club before winning a Group 2 at Deauville. Also up to 1m4f for the first time, he sat prominent but was tracked by the strong-travelling winner and never actually looked like winning. Still, it was a clear career best.

5 Grand Glory (66-1)

Grand Glory, narrowly denied in last year's Prix de l'Opera, likes this sort of ground but is better at 1m2f, so emerges with great credit having stayed on from a most unpromising position, still being right at the back of the field turning in. She's not had an overly busy season and could be one for the Breeders' Cup if getting her ground.

6 Westover (17-2)

Westover pulled his chance away when flopping in the King George, but was calmer both before and during the race here, keeping on to post an effort more in keeping with his Epsom and Irish Derby form, just fading late on in ground that wouldn't have been for him.

7 Luxembourg (4-1)

Luxembourg, who beat Onesto and Vadeni when winning the Irish Champion Stakes, found himself shuffled back and in a poor position early in the straight. He stayed on well, having been forced to switch, and is the sort to take a marked step forward as a four-year-old.

Others to note

10 Onesto (9-1)

Onesto, winner of the Grand Prix de Paris over C&D before a fine second in the Irish Champion, splitting Luxembourg and Vaden

11 Titleholder (8-1)

Titleholder looked the best of the runners from the Japan, having won the 2m Tenno Sho and 1m3f Takarazuka Kinen, and he was able to get to the front early, but the rain beforehand was a huge negative and, having set a good gallop, he was readily overhauled in the straight.

Subscribe to Members' Club now to access our in-depth results service, including analysis compiled by our experts for every race run in Britain and Ireland.

What they said

Read more on the 2022 Arc:

'It's been marvellous' - Prescott's finest hour as awesome Alpinista lands Arc

From the all-weather to shining on Alpinista: how Luke Morris grafted to the top

Route to victory: how Alpinista defied the downpour to strike gold at Longchamp

'She's got the heart of a lion' - emotional groom revels in Alpinista Arc glory

Racing Post Ratings: Not a vintage Arc but marvellous mare Alpinista produces another career best

Stay ahead of the field with 50 per cent off the ultimate racing subscription. Enjoy the Racing Post digital newspaper and award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing. Plus, make informed betting decisions with our expert tips and form study tools. Head to the subscription page and select 'Get Ultimate Monthly', then enter the code WELCOME22 to get 50 per cent off your first three months.

First three payments will be charged at £17.48, subscription renews at full monthly price thereafter.

Customers wishing to cancel will need to contact us at least seven days before their subscription is due to renew.