Sinndar yesterday became the first Irish-trained horse in 22 years to win France's greatest race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
Sinndar's victory was the highlight of a spectacular day for his rider, John Murtagh, who won three Group 1 races. But it was the Arc success which had the Irish flags flying around France's most famous racecourse.
"This horse is as good as any I've ever seen," said Sinndar's owner, the Aga Khan, after his colt had become the first horse in history to complete the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe treble.
Sinndar was only the second runner in the Arc for John Oxx, the Curragh-based trainer, but he produced the colt to become the first Irish-trained horse to win the Arc since Alleged in 1978. In the process, Sinndar quashed predictions that he would be swamped by the 1999 Arc de Triomphe winner, Montjeu, who could only finish fourth for his Irish rider, Michael Kinane.
"He's a great horse and a worthy Arc winner", said Oxx, while an ecstatic Murtagh declared: "Sinndar has done everything I said he would - and more."
Oxx and the Aga Khan would not be drawn on whether Sinndar would continue to race next year as a four-year-old and said the matter had not been discussed. However, the owner revealed that Sinndar was "99 per cent likely" to stand at his Gilltown Stud in Co Kildare when his racing career is finished.
The Arc victory was a triumph for the 30-year-old jockey from Dunderry, Co Meath. Murtagh and Oxx also combined to win the Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye with Namid, but it was Sinndar which thrilled the Irish contingent at France's most fashionable racing meet.
The Irish national anthem, Amhrain na bhFiann, resounded around Longchamp after the presentation ceremony. Following the blank at the Sydney Olympics - apart from Sonia O'Sullivan's silver medal - it has rarely resounded more heartily for Irish sport.
