Unbeaten French Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact has been named horse of the year at the Cartier Racing Awards.
The Cracksman colt is the first French-trained winner of the award since Treve 10 years ago.
Ace Impact won the honour ahead of the Aidan O’Brien duo Auguste Rodin and Paddington, and Mostahdaf.
Auguste Rodin missed out despite wins in the English and Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Ace Impact, trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, was retired to stud for a breeding career last month after winning all six of his races.
“The way he races and his acceleration is very rare in a racehorse,” said the trainer.
All the awards
Horse of the year: Ace Impact
Sprinter: Shaquille
Stayer: Trueshan
Three-year-old colt: Ace Impact
Three-year-old filly: Tahiyra
Two-year-old colt: City Of Troy
Two-year-old filly: Opera Singer
Older horse: Mostahdaf
Award of merit: Jeff Smith
