Orfevre thrills Soumillon

Christophe Soumillon was delighted with Orfevre after he put him through his workout before Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

Orfevre worked over a mile at Chantilly on the grass gallop and having taken a lead inside the final two furlongs, Soumillon let his mount quicken up and stretch out close home.

A big crowd had gathered to see the work, after which Soumillon said: "This morning's workout was similar to the one he did for the Prix Foy, which was in the first week he arrived and was very satisfactory.

"He is in better condition than he was three weeks ago.

"We are very happy with his preparation. He seems in much better physical condition - more reactive - and his coat is beautiful.

"Now I'm not a trainer, so it's not me who examines the horse every day, but as a jockey I have the impression that I have a horse that is more vivacious, which is very nice.

"It is the most important race in the world. You can see it, look how many cameras there are here now.

"It is quite unusual in France to see that much media before a race.

"He beat the best French horses a few weeks ago, so I hope he will go even better the next few days.

"He looks like a horse that can do something in next Sunday's race."