'I always thought my best racing day was when I rode a winner on my first ride'

Following Alpinista's triumph in the Arc, the winning mare's trainer Sir Mark Prescott, jockey Luke Morris, and owner-breeder Kirsten Rausing gave a press conference that was almost as entertaining as the race itself. Here are some of the highlights . . .

I haven't won an English Classic and I'm very ashamed of it, but I'm very proud to have won the Prix de Diane and even more proud of having won today. I've trained for Ms Rausing for 35 years and I trained the grandmother and the mother, and Luke has been with me 11 years. It is hard to imagine a better day training.
Sir Mark Prescott sums up what it means to win Europe's greatest race

Poor William, who has been my assistant trainer for 20 something years, he will greet this win with mixed emotions I think because it will probably keep me tottering on a bit longer!
Prescott spares a thought for his long-term assistant and nominated heir of Heath House, William Butler

I think it is the best day of my racing life. I always thought the best day of my racing life was when I rode a winner on my first ride, when I was 15 or 16. It had no chance of winning and it won, so that was the best ten minutes of my life. I had a girlfriend and we walked out down the track, and there was an old man banging in divots, and he said, 'what won the first?', and I said 'I did!' I thought it was the best moment of my life, but this is every bit as good.
Prescott, 74, on the two greatest moments of his racing life

Luke Morris celebrates his famous win on Alpinista in Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de TriompheCredit: Edward Whitaker

She has towed me into the race and I was able to sit on her until nearly the furlong pole. The last week or so I must have watched 25 Arcs and I've not seen one sit to the furlong pole, so she is extremely special. Every time I ride her she surprises me. Every run she has had she has been better each time.
Luke Morris almost has to pinch himself after Alpinista's remarkable performance

I don't know if I dare disclose that it was extremely easy – it wasn't difficult at all!
Asked if it was difficult to persuade the notoriously reluctant traveller Sir Mark Prescott to come to Paris, Kirsten Rausing reveals on this occasion he was all too happy to cross the Channel . . .

She comes back to stud next year, in the meantime we need to sit down and think a bit and discuss. The Japan Cup and the Breeders' Cup possibly [before then].
Rausing reveals there could be more from Alpinista this year

I'm sure Ms Rausing's eagle eye will have observed that she gets a $3 million bonus if she is lucky enough to win the Japan Cup, on top of the prize-money.
And after his brilliant day in Paris, Sir Mark sounded almost a convert to international trips

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

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