Rossa Ryan, the Jockey from Tuam in Co Galway, emerged victorious in the €5 million Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday, riding the English filly Bluestocking to the top of European racing. The Ralph Beckett-trained horse had just been added to Europe’s most decorated all aged competition for €120,000 by Juddmonte owners a few days prior to the race. Beckett confessed he hadn’t anticipated the victory, yet Ryan displayed confidence in Bluestocking that hinted he expected nothing less.
Commencing the race behind Aidan O’Brien’s leading horse, Los Angeles, Ryan managed to maintain a satisfactory position with his favoured 11-2 pick just behind. Swiftly, he took the lead in the straight and triumphed by over a length over Aventure.
Ryan’s victory reiterates Bluestocking’s previous win the past month at Prix Vermeille which prompted Juddmonte to enter her into the Arc. The accomplishment marks Arc’s record seventh win under the famous green and pink colours of the late Prince Khalid Abdullah.
Many legends have achieved victories under these colours, including Frankie Dettori, with two Arc victories on Enable, and the revered Pat Eddery, who triumphed in a classic renewal in 1986 on Dancing Brave. Ryan’s win in the 103rd Arc might not have been as remarkable, but his name is permanently engraved on Europe’s distinguished roll-of-honour.
Ryan, the son of trainer David Ryan, previously excelled in pony racing before venturing to Britain as a teenager to elevate his career. Despite an abrupt end to his early high-pressure tenure with AMO racing and making unwanted news after an incident with Christophe Soumillon at Saint Cloud’s 2022 race, he now sits atop Europe’s racing hierarchy.
Last year, the first Group One win was secured by Shaquille in the July Cup, before being named top jockey on the all-weather track in Britain in the winter. This set the pace for even more prestigious victories, including Bluestocking’s triumph in the Pretty Polly at the Curragh in the summer, catapulting both to the heights of the sport.
Ryan noted the transformative impact a horse can have, attributing his life changes to her. Despite being largely dismissed by many, she has demonstrated her worth at the highest level. Ryan struggled to comprehend the fillies’ pivotal influence on his career.
Beckett was a close second with Westover in the previous year’s Arc race, attributing their achievement to the horse’s amazing constitution. It was extraordinary for a horse to compete consistently since May and perform so well. The favourable draw and Rossa’s brilliant ride added to a successful day, elevating it to the best in their history.
A three-time winner already in the year, 53-year-old Beckett, once Arthur Moore’s protege, also celebrated victories at the Irish Oaks with ‘You Got To Me’, and at the 2022 Curragh Derby with Westover.
Aidan O’Brien expressed disappointment, wondering if the front-running strategy was well-suited to Los Angeles, whose performance he deemed immature but gutsy. O’Brien suggested that he might have preferred a lead, but still applauded the horse’s effort. He added that Los Angeles is in good shape and that the Ascot Champion Stakes could be on the cards.
Earlier, O’Brien’s second choice, Camille Pissarro, claimed the lead in the Prix Jean Luc Lagadere, bolstering an Arc weekend that seemed poised to be dominated by Ballydoyle.
Kyprios, who triumphed magnificently in the Prix Du Cadran, validated O’Brien’s equine expertise by becoming his most victorious Group One horse. This came about due to an unprecedented eight top-tier victories claimed on Saturday, inclusive of a quadruple win. Grateful, an underdog priced at 25-1, claimed success in another of Saturday’s Group One competitions under the skilled direction of Soumillon.
Soumillon, the experienced Belgian jockey, demonstrated a stealthy performance riding Camille Pissarro, taking him from trailing position to first place. His prowess was described by O’Brien as “masterful”. In regards to Camille Pissarro’s victory, O’Brien commented positively on his abilities, despite initial miscalculations in the horse’s riding strategy. He claimed, “we always had great faith in him, knowing he’s a swift horse who accelerates wonderfully.”
In the Prix de la Foret, notable winners, Beckett and Ryan, backed Kinross, the expected favourite. However, Kinross ultimately finished second, outpaced by the formidable French filly, Ramatuelle.