Mick Kinane: the key parts of Longchamp that decide the destination of the Arc

Mick Kinane's stellar 34-year career in the saddle saw him win the Arc on three occasions. He first won Europe's most prestigious Flat race on Carroll House in 1989 for Michael Jarvis. He was then successful on the magnificent Montjeu in 1999, and ten years later came his sensational victory on the legendary Sea The Stars.

He certainly knew what it took to win the Arc and here he provides an in-depth insight into how the race tends to unfold and where the race can be won and lost.

The draw

Crucial. It's not an easy track to negotiate from a high draw. Sea The Stars came out of six, while Montjeu was in four. We got a lovely position up the inside. It's always nice to have a favourable draw.