Golden Horn© Photo Healy Racing
Frankie Dettori is relishing a potential trip to America with Golden Horn after his spectacular success in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday.
Looking relaxed when speaking at Leicester races on Tuesday, Dettori paid tribute to the constitution and ability of the Investec Derby winner, who was adding Europe's premier middle-distance race to his Epsom, Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes laurels.
Trained by John Gosden and owned by Anthony Oppenheimer, Golden Horn could sign off before he goes to stud with a run in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Keeneland on October 31.
Dettori said: "A lot of credit goes to the staff that kept him in such good form all year round and fingers crossed we will ship him over to America and wave him goodbye.
"He has done his stuff in Europe and if he can do it in America it would be brilliant.
"He is the sort of horse who thrives on his racing, he takes his races really well and I think he is getting better. It would be great to see him again. He's very tough - most of the great ones are. He always has something to give.
"That's the difference between the good ones and the very good ones."
Reflecting on the Arc, the Italian told At The Races: "I said on the day on Sunday that the last furlong and a half, I don't think I have been as fast in my life. No horse was going to get near me or past me.
"He answered every call, a lot of things were said about my tactics but all the credit goes to Golden Horn.
"We had a plan, we stuck to it and we did it. It worked, but Golden Horn showed to the world he was really good on Sunday. I was thrilled because my son was 16 on the day and Golden Horn had number 16, that was a bit of fate.
"It was a great moment, he has been a brilliant horse to me. I really enjoyed the day very much. He really was at his best."
Dettori earlier thanked Sheikh Joaan Al Thani and his Al Shaqab Racing operation for their crucial support during what has been a magnificent campaign for the rider.
Having endured well documented problems, Dettori's career could easily have nosedived, but he was recruited as retained rider by Al Shaqab in 2013 and has undergone a renaissance, again riding at the peak of his powers.
Dettori lost the ride on Treve last season at the behest of trainer Criquette Head-Maarek, but despite the eclipse of his star at the weekend, Sheikh Joaan was among the first to congratulate Dettori as he returned to the winner's enclosure.
He said: "I am extremely grateful to His Highness Sheikh Joaan Al Thaani for letting me continue to ride Golden Horn during the course of this season.
"It was a very sporting gesture to greet me so graciously after Golden Horn won the Arc and Treve remains a legend.
"I couldn't be more pleased with how this season has gone and I am very thankful to Al Shaqab for their continued support."
