Treve to Stay in Training, 2015 Arc is Goal

Star French filly Treve is to remain in training next year instead of retiring as earlier announced after she won the Oct. 5 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) for the second straight year at Longchamp. 

The 4-year-old daughter of Motivator, campaigned by Sheikh Joaan Al Thani's Al Shaqab Racing, will stay with trainer Criquette Head-Maarek, with her ultimate goal a sensational third win in Europe's ultimate middle-distance race.

"It is very exciting and a decision very much taken by Sheikh Joaan with Criquette. She will now attempt to bring off the treble," Al Shaqab racing adviser Harry Herbert told Racing Post in a surprise announcement.

"Seeing how well she was after the race, the sheikh went back to talk to his family and with Criquette. She knows this filly like the back of her hand and if there was a chance for Treve to prove she was one of the greatest mares of all time by winning three Arcs, then why not let her do so?"

Immediately following this year's Arc, Treve's retirement was announced, including the selection of Darley sire Dubawi as her first mate.

"She will miss a year of breeding, whatever happens," Herbert continued. "If there is any hint of it not going well or if she is any way not right, she will stop immediately. She loves her racing and training, is in very good shape, and carries a massive fan base. I think it is a phenomenal thing, an unusual situation, and very sporting."

Treve scored a scintillating five-length triumph over Orfevre the 2013 Arc to cap an undefeated season en route to European Horse of the Year honors. Winless in three starts earlier this year, she was back to her brilliant best for the Arc, sprinting away in the stretch from 19 ultimately overmatched rivals and winning by two lengths.