Bluestocking wins Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for Ralph Beckett

Bluestocking rewarded her trainer Ralph Beckett’s decision to supplement her into the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe by claiming victory in Europe’s most prestigious race at Longchamp on Sunday. Ridden by Irish jockey Rossa Ryan, Bluestocking surged to a decisive win ahead of French filly Aventure, with Irish contender Los Angeles finishing third.

The English filly, who was added to the race only this week for a fee of €120,000 ($130,000), earned nearly €3 million in prize money for her owners. Bluestocking is the 10th filly or mare to win the Arc since 2000, and the win marked the seventh time the familiar Juddmonte colours have graced the winner’s enclosure.

For Beckett, 53, it was a career-first Arc victory. “She’s extraordinary, good horses train themselves,” Beckett said, praising the resilient Bluestocking. “It’s a tribute to her constitution…she is an extraordinary beast.”

Ryan, riding in his second Arc, delivered a flawless performance, shadowing Ryan Moore on Los Angeles before making his move 600 metres from the finish. “It’s very surreal…my family are here too,” Ryan said of his maiden Arc win.

Favourite Sosie finished fourth, while Japan’s Shin Emperor disappointed, finishing unplaced.

(Source: AFP)