Dylan Browne McMonagle retains ride on Simmering in Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac, as Al Riffa owner chooses Yutake Take for Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.
Dylan Browne McMonagle might be missing out on the opportunity to ride Al Riffa in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but he will continue to ride Simmering, who has been added to the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac on Sunday. McMonagle regularly rides Joseph O'Brien's Arc contender and has guided the son of Wootton Bassett to his two Group One victories, including the latest win in the Grosser Preis von Berlin.
Al Riffa's owner Masaaki Matsushima has given the chance to Japanese veteran Yutake Take to ride at ParisLongchamp this weekend, leaving McMonagle without a mount in Europe's premier middle-distance race. However, he will still be competing at the Bois de Boulogne, having been asked by Ollie Sangster to ride his outstanding filly Simmering once more.
The pair teamed up successfully to win Deauville's Group Two Prix du Calvados during the summer. The Irishman also rode when the Manton contender finished second to subsequent Cheveley Park Stakes winner Lake Victoria in the Moyglare Stud Stakes in Ireland. "Dylan is going to ride her again. He has ridden her in the last two outings and is riding very well. He knows her and was available, and we're very happy to use him," said Sangster.
It cost the connections EURO 28,800 to include Simmering in the Boussac line-up, where she will renew her Moyglare rivalry with Aidan O'Brien's Bedtime Story and also contend with the unbeaten French filly Zarigana. However, Sangster mentions that this contest has always been planned for the talented daughter of Too Darn Hot, particularly after the change in ownership following her impressive performance at Royal Ascot behind Fairy Godmother.
"Since Al Shaqab purchased her, this race has been a provisional target. She wasn't initially entered, so we had to supplement her entry," continued Sangster. "It's a significant weekend for their team with many runners, given that it is sponsored by Qatar, and the owners were eager for her to compete. She came out of the Moyglare in good condition and has been training well since. It appears to be a competitive race, but we're excited to take her over."
Other horses added to Sunday's Group One events include Breege, owned by John and Sean Quinn, who joins Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Big Rock in the Prix de la Foret. Additionally, Alicja Karkosa's runner-up in the Prix La Rochette, Heybetli, will compete in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.
