Japanese support growing ahead of Al Riffa’s Arc date
Yutaka Take will ride for Joseph O’Brien in the Paris highlight.
Joseph O’Brien is appreciative of all the support he has received from Japan as Al Riffa prepares to tackle the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. So far Europe’s richest middle-distance prize has eluded Japanese raiders, with both Nakayama Festa (2010) and Orfevre (2012 and 2013) both silver medallists in recent years and Through Seven Seas fourth behind Ace Impact 12 months ago. This year it is Irish Champion Stakes third Shin Emperor who will primarily carry Japanese hopes, but O’Brien’s four-year-old has a distinct connection with Masaaki Matsushima part of the ownership and decorated Japanese jockey Yutaka Take taking the ride. O’Brien finished no better than fifth in the Arc during his career in the saddle, but hopes improve on that with Al Riffa, in what he regards “as big a race as there is anywhere in the world”.“We have definitely had lots of well wishes from Japan and especially on social media we’ve had plenty of messages wishing us luck,” said O’Brien. “It’s a pleasure to have the support of plenty of Japanese racing fans and hopefully we can do them proud at the weekend. “It’s as big a race as there is anywhere in the world and it would rank right at the top as good as any if we could win it. I’m very happy to be going there with a live chance and hopefully the horse does us proud.” Al Riffa’s big-race pilot Take is no stranger to riding in the ParisLongchamp feature and has visited O’Brien’s Owning Hill base to put the son of Wootton Bassett through his paces.
Al Riffa had very special visitors on Owning Hill this morning as his part owner Mr Masaaki Matsushima and legendary Japanese jockey Yutake Take came to see him. Yutake will ride Al Riffa in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on October 6th and it was great to get them acquainted. pic.twitter.com/aqa23PczqK
— Joseph O’Brien (@JosephOBrien2) September 24, 2024
German G1 glory for Ireland!
AL RIFFA wins the Grosser Preis von Berlin for @JosephOBrien2 at Hoppegarten!#WorldPool 🤝 @DeutscherGalopp pic.twitter.com/pzIqmQyYD9 — World Pool (@WorldPool) August 11, 2024
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Horse Racing
Rider’s ocular accident underscores importance of protective eyewear
Amid non-stop negotiations surrounding the need to...
-
Horse Racing
Concerns over inadequate facilities for female jockeys as racecourses miss upgrade deadlines
The Professional Jockeys Association (PJA)...
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.