In Swoop and Persian King complete French-trained domination of the 2020 Arc

In a desperate finish decided by a neck and three-quarters of a length there are bound to be some private thoughts of what might have been, but connections of In Swoop and Persian King were left proud of their defeated charges.

In Swoop was bidding to become the least experienced winner of the Arc since Treve in 2013 in tackling the great race on just his fifth career start.

The son of Adlerflug gave Ronan Thomas a serious first taste of the race, while trainer Francis Graffard can look forward to an exciting campaign with In Swoop at four.

"Now I've had a chance to think about it he paid for the lack of pace in the race," said Graffard. "He followed the pace very easily, which makes no sense as he always needs chasing along early.

"That may have cost us in the end, but as everyone could see he ran a magnificent race in the home straight. We were beaten by a very good horse but mine ran a huge race and I have to be satisfied.

"He is very unexposed and after his race he was extremely relaxed so we'll call it a day for this year and look forward to next season."

Persian King confounded those who expected the demands of an Arc on heavy ground to prove too much, leading the field under Pierre-Charles Boudot at a perfect pitch designed to settle him without burning too much fuel once he went into unknown territory in the final quarter-mile.

Representing his part-owners and breeders the Wildenstein family, Anthony Stroud was understandably delighted after what could be Persian King's last start before heading to stud at Haras d'Etreham.

"He's run a remarkable race and I think it's testament to his quality," said Stroud. "He beat the winners of 14 Group 1s over a mile in the Moulin and now he’s probably run the race of his life.

"Andre Fabre is the most wonderful trainer and Pierre-Charles gave him a brilliant ride. I couldn't be more happy."

When the deal to stand Persian King was announced by Godolphin, the Wildensteins and Etreham last month, the stated intention was for the Arc to be his last start, although Stroud said there will at least be a discussion with between all the owners and trainer Andre Fabre.

"The plan was for this to be his last race but we'll sit down with all the parties tomorrow to discuss it," said Stroud.

Read more reports and news from Arc Sunday:

Rouget proves master of the hour as Sottsass soars in Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

'That's life' – Gosden rues pace and going but no decision on Enable's future

How the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe unfolded on testing ground at Longchamp

'The cost is incredible' says a dismayed O'Brien after missing out on Arc

'I love her' – Boudot delight as magic mare One Master wins third straight Foret

Tarnawa and Alpine Star give Ireland a one-two in the Prix de l'Opera

Jessica Marcialis makes French racing history with Prix Marcel Boussac victory

Delight for Rossi as superb Sealiway proves far too good for the rest

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