A PODIUM FOR HIGH-CLASS ONESTO IN PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE
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After an excellent return to the track in Gr.1 Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois, ONESTO (Frankel) finished a brilliant third in the world’s most prestigious race, the Gr.1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.
Onesto was settled at the rear of the fifteen-runner field in the 2,400m contest. Turning into Longchamp’s famous false straight, he was still sitting joint-last alongside German raider Sisfahan (Isfahan). Once in the final straight, his huge ability to accelerate came into play once again Onesto quickly passed his rivals. He ran an impressive time in the final 200m of the race - the fastest of the race - finally just beaten for second by Irish Derby hero Westover (Frankel). The winner, Ace Impact and Onesto clocked the same time in final 600m - a huge performance considering that Onesto was carrying 3kg more than the winner. The four-year-old is owned by Gerard Augustin-Normand, Jean-Etienne Dubois, Ecurie Hunter Valley, Haras D'etreham, Ecurie Billon, Ecurie Elag, Fabrice Chappet & Hubert Guy.
Onesto has been allotted an official rating of 123 following his impressive third in the Arc. He has recovered well from his race and is now on his way to Santa Anita for the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Bred by Diamond Creek Farm, Onesto is out of an unraced mare Onshore (Sea The Stars, who is halone of two winners out the Listed-winning mare Alwilda (Hernando) and is a half-sister to a Gr.3 winner Jet Away (Cape Cross).
The handsome son of Frankel, Onesto showed early promise at the highest level when landing the Gr.2 Prix Greffulhe at three, going from last to first in just a few strides. With his devastating turn of foot, Onesto gave a repeat perfomance in the Gr.1 Grand Prix de Paris two months later to beat future Gr.1 winner Simca Mille (Tamayuz) under a hands and heels ride, with another dual Gr.1 winner and St Leger hero, Eldar Eldarov, in third. Another big effort came that September in the Irish Champion Stakes when finishing second to triple Gr.1 winner Luxembourg (Camelot), only beaten half a length.
Purchased by Mike Akers from Glenvale Stud for 185,000Gns at Tattersalls Book 1 in 2020 as a yearling, our superb chestnut was then sold to Hubert Guy from Wavertree Stables for $535,000 at Ocala’s Spring Sale in 2021.