Japanese champion Orfevre has ended his career with a brilliant eight length win in the Arima Kinen at Nakayama.

Almost 117,000 people braved the cold to see the five-year-old in his final appearance.

A six-time Group One winner and twice runner-up in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Orfevre swept around the field at the top of the straight and kicked clear with Win Variation a remote second.

His jockey Kenichi Ikezoe said he had confidence in Orfevre throughout the race.

"It might have been a bit earlier to make our bid than usual, but he responded so well," Ikezoe said.

"I was confident making the last turn that no one would ever be able to catch him.

"He is definitely the strongest horse in the world."