'That evening I called all my friends to say I'd seen the next Arc winner'

More than a few eyebrows may have been raised in the suburban Paris headquarters of the PMU when last month's September Stakes at Kempton – a late addition to the Saturday afternoon fare offered to French punters – broke the record for French betting turnover on a foreign race.

Enable was of course the attraction, though the dual Arc winner was not much of a betting proposition as she breezed through her Longchamp rehearsal.

There can be little doubt that Khalid Abdullah's star has a major following among the French racing public.

We asked three turfistes with something of an eye for foreign racing to give their explanation as to what makes Enable as much of an idol as previous queens of Longchamp such as Treve and Zarkava.

Julien Fonseque spends every spare day away from his day job traversing Europe to see the best racing and trotting, and remembers exactly the moment that Enable captured his heart.

"The first time I saw her in person was her first King George at Ascot and the way she pulled clear of her rivals that day was something you see very rarely," says Fonseque. "I even felt she would win when she came into the parade ring, she had such an aura.

Enable's first King George was the moment that turfiste Julien Fonseque became a convert to her causeCredit: Edward Whitaker

"That evening I was still totally caught up in what I'd seen and I called all my friends to tell them I'd seen the next Arc winner and perhaps one of the best horses of my lifetime. She has never stopped confirming that view."

Philippe Patrice is equally enamoured of Enable but takes a more scientific approach.

"I am always fascinated by the ratings and the fact she can repeat such a high level, year after year, is very impressive," says Patrice. "The way John Gosden has kept her in such great form is to be admired as well.

"And the fact that the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has always been her main target of any year adds real value to the race, and to French racing. I think that makes us all proud."

Patrice himself continues to be in thrall to Enable, although as a punter he has rarely if ever profited.

He said: "I don't think I've ever won any money on her, though I was at Newbury the day she made her three-year-old debut and I backed her that day, only to see her beaten by her stablemate!"

Cirrus Des Aigles (stripes) and Enable are two rare top class Flat horses to have won Group 1s at the age of sixCredit: Edward Whitaker

Marc Doumid was almost the team mascot for Cirrus Des Aigles on his travels around the world, so it is Enable's longevity which appeals to him and, he believes, many other racing fans in France.

"Of course she is a great champion, but what really grabs me is that she has raced on for such a long time," says Doumid. "Then there is the mare herself. When you see her walk around the ring she carries herself in such an assured way.

"I also love the relationship Frankie Dettori has with her and there is something magic about the whole entourage that surrounds her."

Khalid Abdullah's silks have long been a fixture on French racecourses and Enable's constant presence atones for one missing piece of the jigsaw.

"All French racing fans hoped that Frankel would run in the Arc and while unfortunately that didn't happen, it is her [Enable's] objective every year.

"Many French punters are used to watching the great trotting champions like Bold Eagle, who stay around for years. She is the rare example along with Cirrus in the thoroughbred world."

Read more of our Arc day content here

Enable draws stall five as O'Brien withdraws Love from Arc

Sink or swim? 33-1 shot stands out as we assess the runners in soft-ground Arc

Punters plunge into French colt In Swoop as testing ground awaits at Longchamp

Queen Enable in her pomp as she puts sparkling final touches to Arc preparation

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to r

acingpost.com/freebets