Joseph O’Brien is aspiring to join the few Irish trainers who have won the progressive Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, marking his bid this Sunday with his horse Al Riffa. However, the international dimension of Europe’s premiere race is emphasised by the jockey mounted on the colt.
Experienced jockey Yutaka Take, often compared to Piggott and Dettori in his home country of Japan, is making his 11th attempt to secure the prestigious accolade he’s fixated on more than any other.
Al Riffa’s new management from Japan have allocated the 55-year-old rider this opportunity, trading O’Brien’s main jockey, Dylan Browne McMonagle, with Take, an turn of events playing out in the 103rd iteration of Longchamp’s €5 million spotlight.
This venture comes three decades after Take’s debut bid to conquer the Arc concluded in a disgraceful reprimand. Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam sternly suggested at the time that the visiting jockey from the East had overtasked his horse, White Muzzle, and should ideally return to Japan.
Despite persisting national fixation on Arc triumph, and in spite of his harsh counsel, Take, who can boast nearly 5,000 victories at home, didn’t heed the advice.
Despite the ideal situation about 18 years ago, when legendary horse Deep Impact, supported by thousands of passionate Japanese followers at Bois de Boulogne, was reduced to a disappointing third place by Take, the nation has not lost its hope in the race. The horse’s failure in a subsequent drug test added insult to injury.
Nonetheless, Japan and its most renowned jockey have not let the past deter their returning attempts.
Shin Emperor is a leading contender, having finished a strong third to Economics in the previous month’s Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. However, a win for Al Riffa led by Take would virtually turn it into a Japanese victory.
At the age of 31, O’Brien has already had a condensed yet illustrious stint as a jockey, which was followed by a series of internationally recognised triumphs as a trainer. These victories encompass both of Australia’s most prestigious accolades, the Melbourne Cup (which he’s won twice) and the Cox Plate, as well as classical competitions in both Ireland and England.
Nonetheless, achieving an Arc win with his debut entry, a feat his father Aidan has accomplished twice, would mark an exceptional triumph for this Irish man indeed.
Taking into account John Oxx’s dual wins, Vincent O’Brien’s trio of trophies, and Séamus McGrath’s triumph with Levmoss from over half a century ago, the Arc is distinguished for having a notably restricted list of Irish victories.
O’Brien Snr, who achieved a remarkable 1-2-3 led by Found in 2016, is this year placing his faith in the hero of the Irish Derby, Los Angeles, and the previous year’s Leger victor, Continuous. Continuous’ Japanese breeding emphasises the Arc’s aptitude to unify diverse international elements in a race that also hosts the German sensation, Fantastic Moon, a duo of British entrants, and a notably robust domestic team.
Andre Fabre, the ultimate Arc victor with a record eight wins, has three entries this year, headlined by the long-standing ante-post favourite, Sosie. He overturned French Derby form with Look De Vega in their Prix Niel preparation race three weeks prior.
Look De Vega is said to be rejuvenated following that endeavor after a prolonged absence, and the potential of softer ground in Paris works in his favour.
Regardless, it is a conspicuously open Arc, where both O’Briens have justifiable aspirations for success.
Los Angeles is a valid contender standing in for the Breeders’ Cup-bound City Of Troy and will enjoy both the journey and the conditions. Off a fast pace, Continuous is expected to outlast most. Al Riffa’s previous victory in Germany was in a race renowned for producing Arc winners.
An Al Riffa win would not only have worldwide implications but would also bridge the generational divide between trainer and jockey.
Take reminisced this week about his time as a jockey with Aidan O’Brien’s son, never imagining he would one day ride the horse trained by him. Aidan would accompany his son to the race tracks during his childhood and despite being a competent jockey, his size and weight were a hindrance. However, his transition to a trainer has been admirable, especially seeing the results he’s getting.
O’Brien’s meteoric rise in the coaching industry, just eight years after receiving his license, is highlighted by the O’Brien duo being the mainstay of the Irish contingent this Sunday. Apart from four other Irish contenders, the rest of the Irish hope is banked on the O’Brien’s in the five remaining Grade One races.
Johnny Murtagh is keen on the Blandford champion, Hanalia, being a contender in the Prix de l’Opera which boasts a robust roster, including Ryan Moore’s pick, Ylang Ylang rather than the highly-regarded Yorkshire Oaks champion, Content. Ylang Ylang who had an impressive fourth place finish in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown, is looking forward to the 10 furlong course, while Sparkling Plenty’s drop down from one and a half mile in the Vermeille appears to be an important decision too.
Aidan O’Brien will have two representatives in the top-tier juvenile competitions where some credibility could be regained. Bedtime Story was overly eager in the Moyglare, thus losing her undefeated streak and is participating in the Marcel Boussac. In this race, the major local contender is Zarigana, a much-acclaimed offspring of the 2008 Arc champion Zarkava, who will be jockeyed by Mickael Barzalona, the new official rider of Aga Khan.
Henri Matisse, who lost his invincible record in the National Stakes seeming quite complex, will be wearing a visor for the first time in the Jean-Luc Lagardère. Here, he could potentially have to face a stiff challenge from the Morny’s second placed contender, Rashabar.