Ralph Beckett fights back tears after Bluestocking delivers an Arc success that shocked her trainer

Following a series of hugs and handshakes, there was a touching moment in Longchamp's parade ring when Ralph Beckett, a trainer not unfamiliar with the expression of strong feelings, looked and sounded more emotional than at any time in his quarter-century with a licence.

Beckett invariably says what he thinks. In the minutes that followed Bluestocking's mighty victory in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, he said what he felt. His champion was still out on the track, where Rossa Ryan was saluting the crowd and savouring every second. As Beckett awaited their arrival, his mind flicked between this 103rd Arc and the one he watched as a young boy on television in 1980.

"I was reminiscing with my daughter coming under the tunnel," he said, fighting back tears. "Detroit was the first Arc I saw. I still remember that first one. It's extraordinary, extraordinary. To emulate Dancing Brave and his like is extraordinary."