Rossa Ryan claims stunning Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victory
The Co. Galway jockey claimed the biggest winner of his career to date
Rossa Ryan surges to victory on Bluestocking
Rossa Ryan's journey from County Galway to the glittering Champs Elysees is quite the tale.
A champion rider on the pony racing circuit, who claimed his first winner nearly eight years ago at Dundalk, Ryan was in dreamland after claiming the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Ryan guided Ralph Beckett's Bluestocking to victory in Europe's richest race, their second Group One success after success in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh earlier this year
"This is the stuff of dreams, this is for everyone who had the faith in me to get the job done," said Ryan.
"I'm just speechless and having my family here makes it even more special
"A horse can really change you life and she has mine. She broke sharp and has done that all year. I was never in doubt that she'd settle on the front end if she got a lead. I got to fill up where I needed to without getting pestered. Turning in with 600m to run she came alive underneath me and it's hard to stop a train going forward.
"It's all down to her trainer and the team at home. They've made my dreams come true. To do it on a global stage is what it's all about."The greatest moment of Rossa Ryan's career.
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) October 6, 2024
First Irish jockey to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe since Michael Kinane in 2009.#GreenTeam pic.twitter.com/2Be1AMEWJi
Aidan O'Brien's Los Angeles grabbed a place as he chased home Aventure, while stablemate Continuous was 15th and Joseph O'Brien's Al Riffa 11th.
In the battle of O'Brien's French impressionists, Christophe Soumillion guided Camille Pissarro to another Ballydoyle victory in the Group One Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, with Ryan Moore a back in fifth on favourite Henri Matisse.
O'Brien has often used this race to sharpen his plans for the following year's Classic campaign, with the legendary double Guineas winner Rock of Gibraltar a winner in 2001.
Proud Dad moment for Galway Native David Ryan as his son @Rossaryan15 wins the Qatar Prix De L’arc De Triomphe 👏 #GreenTeam pic.twitter.com/D6IMEzvS2P
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) October 6, 2024
This was his seventh win but his first since Happily's success seven years ago.
"He's a big horse and he'll definitely be better next year, he's a Guineas horse for sure," said O'Brien.
"He like this horse a lot and Christophe gave him a class ride. He's a great rider, world class, and we're delighted to use him when he's available."