Treve's hoofprints from the Prix de l'Arc Triomphe are still moist, yet Criquette Head-Maarek was gazing towards the horizon at her quaint Chantilly stables on Monday morning.

Head-Maarek, who has arguably done more for the profile of racing than anyone over the last few years, was in no mood to dwell upon what happened on Sunday.

"The Arc is over," said the trainer.

"You have to look forward, not back.

"We have other horses to train. We have a very nice horse called Midweek, who will hopefully be a nice three-year-old, and we will also have Treve's full sister to come at the end of the month.

"Treve has been retired, but there is lots to look forward to."

Head-Maarek's open-door approach towards the general public and the media with Treve has surprisingly been questioned by some - not least her brother, Freddy Head - but defeat in the Arc failed to quell her ebullience.

Press, Japanese tourists and a healthy throng of wide-eyed Brits were all invited into her yard on Monday morning.

All were allowed to get up close and personal with Treve. All left with feelings of gratification and privilege.

The five-year-old mare's unprecedented attempt at winning a third Arc ultimately ended in failure as she finished fourth behind Golden Horn on ground that was probably quicker than ideal.

Typically from her trainer, though, there were no excuses given - other than a slight question mark about jockey Thierry Jarnet having been a shade too far off the pace once the tempo quickened.

Owner Sheikh Joaan reversed his decision to send Treve into retirement 12 months ago, but there will be no U-turn this time, with a potential meeting with Dubawi on the cards at the Haras de Bouquetot stud in Normandy.

"Treve looks beautiful and she has not lost any condition and you wouldn't know she'd run in the Arc," said Head-Maarek.

"She will stay here for three more weeks and will then go to Normandy to Sheikh Joaan's farm.

"Sheikh Joaan was very keen to send her to Dubawi last year so I imagine it will be the same.

"It will be sad not to see her any more but she will be well looked after and that is the main thing.

"She deserves to be retired. Trying (to race on) another year, it won't do anything.

"She's won two Arcs already, six Group Ones. If anything would happen to her I would be very sad, so I'd rather see her go and have a good life.

"She'll make babies and I hope Sheikh Joaan will send me one."

Treve has gone, but Criquette Head-Maarek will never stop dreaming.

[www.britishhorseracing.com] Photograph - Courtesy - www.britishhorseracing.com