Dazzling brilliance by a mighty champion - our readers' choice is understandable

Our readers' election of Dancing Brave's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as the Greatest Ever Race is understandable if the criterion was a performance of dazzling brilliance by a mighty champion.

Dancing Brave's exceptional finishing speed was almost unique among middle-distance champions, and when it overwhelmed a top-quality field at Longchamp in 1986 he became the greatest European champion of the decade.

The horses who followed him home – Bering, Triptych, Shahrastani, Shardari and Darara – were all genuine champions and even the form of the seventh finisher, German star Acatenango, would have won some Arcs.

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John RandallRacing statistician

Published on 23 July 2022inSeries

Last updated 12:46, 23 July 2022

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