Sea the Stars was already assured his place in the history books as he headed to Paris, France, ahead of today’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe but, after a stunning victory in the four million euros Group One Longchamp contest, he ranks as one of the all-time greats in European racing.

It was his sixth Group One success in as many months and connections will take their time before deciding whether a bid for win number seven could come in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on November 7.

“It’s wonderful that it’s over and a great relief,” said Sea The Stars’ trainer John Oxx. “He did enough when he hit the front and he’s a great, great horse to keep on winning. This horse has the gears and if a horse has speed and gears, he’ll get himself out of trouble.

“He’s done a lot this year and we take it race by race with him. We will let the dust settle and now is not the time to make a decision about the Breeders’ Cup which is on November 7.

“We will see how the horse is and then decide. To have got as far as the Arc is a lot to be thankful for. I can’t see him staying in training next year, but we haven’t discussed it.”

Sea The Stars became the first horse ever to win the 2,000 Guineas, Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. He triumphed over 18 rivals by at least two lengths.

Winning rider Mick Kinane added: “He exceptional — he’s just a phenomenal, rare horse. They were going a nice pace and I knew I would need a bit of luck in the straight, no matter what happened, but I knew I had the pace to go anywhere I wanted.”

Fourth-placed Conduit could head for the $3 million Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Turf, a race he won 12 months ago.

“The champion beat everyone again but we are delighted with his run and the Breeders’ Cup will be on the agenda again, provided he comes out of this alright,” said Conduit’s trainer Sir Michael Stoute.