A wonderful collection of superstar horses will hopefully be on show on Sunday, not least Mr. Mistry's Thundering On (winner of the Epsom Oaks), Juddmonte Owned Kalpana (winner of the King George at Ascot, and Trained by a season hot Andrew Balding), The Aga Khan's Daryz (last year's winner), and Maltese Cross, whom Trainer William Haggas has been very impressed by on the Gallops.
The 57 year old Yutaka Take fancies his chances as Japan's first ever winner of the Arc on Admire Terra. (I had previously thought my good friend John Egan, also aged 57, was the granddaddy of them all!).
I was privileged to be at the Arc last year, and two things stuck in my mind. Firstly, the small army of Japanese press and tv contingent that followed the Japanese Jockeys wherever they went, even in the large Parade Ring. The Japanese Jockeys hid their faces with (what looked like) a saddle in "shame" after not winning the race, but they were still not spared the fanatical attention of the Japanese contingent, who crowded around and moved along with them in an orderly fashion as they moved swiftly away.
Secondly, Aidan O'Brien has a reputation for tight control and 'attention to detail' micromanagement of his horses. I observed a taste of this while waiting outside with some friends for our taxi after the races. Close by was O'Brien fussing about with the loading of the bags and kit into the back of their minivan - how and in what order they should be stored in the boot - while his team of superstar multi-millionaire Jockeys (including Ryan Moore) stood obediently by waiting for instructions as to where and in what order they should sit in the van!
Please follow Racing Post and other Racing media for ongoing coverage. I can't wait!
10 Replies
Munesh said ...
05-Oct-2026
Murari saab
Forget about the past glory sir Trump considers U K and rest of the Europe as a football.
Murari said ...
05-Oct-2026
Munesh, I don't think any pilot's natural survival instincts put any country "on the map". In any case, at one point in time the British OWNED half the map. ;-)
I'm not a great fan of nationalistic or religious sentiments.
Cheers,
Mr. Murari
Murari said ...
04-Oct-2026
Daryz wins back to back. Aga Khan Studs will be delighted. They have a stallion.
I backed Bay City Roller e/w @28/1. He came second.
Also backed Aidan O'Brien's Minnie Hauk (last year's second) @ 22/1. Did not place.
Thank you for your inputs Gentlemen. Well done Ravi for sticking your neck out on backing the Japs. Better luck next time.
Munesh said ...
04-Oct-2026
Murari bhai
That brave and heroic Pilot put India on the world map.This Thundering sweety's success will be a quick double.
Cheers
Bharath said ...
04-Oct-2026
Benvenuto cellini with Ryan moore
Sree said ...
04-Oct-2026
1:47 PM - Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines (Group 1)
Horse 13. Time for sandals ( each way shout)
3:05 PM - Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Group 1)
Horse no 1. Daryz.
Murari said ...
03-Oct-2026
Yes Munesh, Thundering On definitely has a good chance. But I have gone with my instinct (in line with usual betting strategy) on a couple of the longer odds for a win/place each way. Bookie is paying out for extra places.
Today (Saturday) I backed a very generously priced Sicilano e/w @100/1 in the 16.35 Group 2 race.. Came in third, so paid out nicely.
(The winner was Raif Beckett's Qirat, whom I had backed in the Goodwood Sussex Stakes last year (@150/1 or 100/1, I can't quite recall), He won that race also).
Sunday has a treat in store, with SEVEN Group 1s at Longchamps.
Ravi Govande said ...
03-Oct-2026
Based on Pedigreestar analysis winner can emerge from following ,short listed 4 from the total 16 as under looks to be Japanese finally going to get their winner. Card Numbers ,Horse Name, Jockey I would love Thundering On to win for Shapoor Mistry Indian Owner but looks difficult my choice is Maltese Cross if it is Public choice and any of these two Japanese Runners for upset but looks Admire Terra
14) Maltese Cross Tom Maequand 8 to 1
15) Thundering On Pierre Charles Boudout 10 to 1
4) Admire Terra with Christian Demuro on board 50 to 1
5) Meisho Tabaru with Yutaka Take on board 40 to 1
Ravi Gowande
Pedigreestar
Munesh said ...
03-Oct-2026
Murari said ...
03-Oct-2026
If you wish, Paris Longchamp Racing (both Saturday and Sunday) can be followed - free livestream - on France Galop. You will need to Register which will only take a minute or so. The Commentary is in French, however.
It is on now.
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Register Now 
