LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Enable cemented her superstar status with an unprecedented Turf triumph as the US$30-million racing extravaganza returned to Churchill Downs on Saturday last.

Enable, the four-year-old filly trained by John Gosden, became the first horse to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the 1 1/2-mile Breeders’ Cup Turf in the same year, succeeding in completing the double where eight before her had failed.

Frankie Dettori was masterful in guiding Enable to victory in the US$4-million race, finding good ground out wide on the rain-softened turf track and prevailing in a thrilling stretch duel with Magical.

“She conquered America!” Dettori crowed after Enable triumphed by three-quarters of a length, becoming just the fourth filly to win the race.

Ryan Moore, riding the Aidan O’Brien-trained Magical, pushed hard in the stretch, Enable finally taking control in the final furlong.

The two jockeys briefly clasped hands as they galloped out with Sadler’s Joy a distant third nine lengths back.

“It was a wonderful, wonderful stretch run between two great fillies and two great jockeys,” Gosden said.

“I thought coming into the straight, when Ryan came up on her, we had a race on our hands. She showed enormous courage to win.”

Enable’s unprecedented double was all the more remarkable given her difficult season. Sidelined by injury until September, she raced just once before seizing a second straight Arc win.

In-between, Gosden said, she battled a fever.

“It was a big task for our filly, and she greatly deserved it,” Gosden said. “She’s had a difficult year and really it’s amazing she’s here today.”

Enable was one of three European raiders to come away with victories at Churchill Downs as the Louisville, Kentucky track hosted the Breeders’ Cup for the first time since 2011.