Treve demolished the opposition to run out a spectacular winner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp for the Criquette Head-Maarek stable.

Ridden by Thierry Jarnet in the absence of the injured Frankie Dettori, the filly smoothly took the lead coming down the straight and soon put daylight between herself and the opposition.

Try as he might, the Japanese-trained favourite Orfevre could not get to her and just as last year, he had to settle for second place, with Intello finishing third and another Japanese challenger, Kizuna, in fourth.

Treve had been drawn in a supposedly unfavourable stall 15, although Head-Maarek staunchly dismissed the importance of her starting berth in the build-up to the race, and her feeling proved right.

However, her wide draw meant Jarnet struggled to get early cover as Joshua Tree set a steady pace up front. But while she was keen in the early stages, Treve made stealthy progress down the outside and appeared to be thoroughly in control as she loomed up on the turn for home.

Jarnet only had to give the signal and the Sheikh Joann Al Thani-owned filly kicked clear and never looked like stopping in front, with the jockey easing up to celebrate as he passed the line with a five-length lead. It was a further neck to Intello.

Head-Maarek said: “I want to say thank you to Frankie Dettori as he rode an amazing race on her in the Prix Vermeille. I said to save her for today and he did. A big kiss and thank you to Frankie, I am sorry he is not here today.

“She won so well, the way she won was incredible. She got no cover and had to come on the outside the whole way. When horses are that good numbers (the draw) make no difference and the ground makes no difference.

“The jockey said she was travelling so easily he just let her go. I’m so proud for papa (Alec Head), who bred her, and for the Sheikh. When he bought her, he said ‘I want you win an Arc’. I said ‘I cant promise, but I’ll do my best’.”

Asked if it was the highlight of her career, she replied: “Of course. To win with a filly is extra special.”

Alec Head said: “I trained some great horses, but this one is really super.”