PARIS (AP) Novellist was among the favorites for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday but the Irish colt pulled out from the world's richest turf contest because of fever on Saturday.
The four-year-old son of patriarch stallion Monsun, Novellist was undefeated this year, winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in England, the Grosser Preis von Baden in Germany and the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in France.
Novellist's absence means 17 horses will start, including last year's runner-up Orfevre, Epsom Derby winner Ruler of the World, and Prix de Diane winner Treve.
Prize money for the race is 4.8 million euros.