The year of living dangerously: Rouget has masterminded an extraordinary and daring season with Ace Impact

Scott BurtonFrance correspondent

Ace Impact breaks the race record in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club

Ace Impact and Cristian Demuro roar to Jockey Club success at ChantillyCredit: Haras de Beaumont / Ace Impact

The announcement that Ace Impact will retire to stud with a perfect six-from-six record off the back of his stunning victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe will be deemed by some as taking the safe option.

While it is true the sport of horseracing might have generated significant interest and publicity had Ace Impact raced on this year or into 2024, nothing about the way he has been campaigned has been anything other than daring and ambitious.

Jean-Claude Rouget entered Ace Impact in the Prix du Jockey Club off the back of a solitary Polytrack maiden win at Cagnes-sur-Mer in January, and rolled up to Chantilly for France's Derby after only three starts.

Read the full story

Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.

Subscribe to unlock

Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data

Already a subscriber?Log in

Published on 12 October 2023inScott Burton

Last updated 19:03, 12 October 2023

Copy