The recent Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp was a memorable event, with Bluestocking emerging as a deserving winner. Ridden expertly by Rossa Ryan and benefiting from a favorable draw, Bluestocking was well-supported, starting at an industry SP of 11-2 in the UK after being priced in double figures the night before. However, while Bluestocking's victory is commendable, it may not be remembered as one of the standout wins in the history of the Arc. This year's race lacked the usual star power, featuring a 16-horse field that was closely matched in terms of ratings and recent performances. The absence of the world’s top-rated turf horse, City Of Troy, who is preparing for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup, along with three other leading middle-distance contenders—including the King George winner, Goliath—due to a ban on geldings, contributed to a less thrilling atmosphere. Despite these factors, the event at Longchamp still managed to resonate with fans, reaffirming its place on the bucket lists of racegoers.

**Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Sosie Leads André Fabre's Pursuit of Glory** At 79 years old, trainer André Fabre, known for his reticence with the media, is on a mission to secure more victories at Longchamp while adhering to his steadfast principles. In 1993, when Jerry Bailey rode Arcangues, a 133-1 longshot, in the Breeders’ Cup Classic for Fabre, he had no idea what the trainer looked like and struggled to locate him amid the pre-race chaos in the paddock. Initially, Bailey's only goal was to avoid finishing last. However, as he approached the final turn, he found himself gliding along the rail, feeling more like a favorite than an underdog. Reflecting on that moment years later, he admitted, “I thought I had a chance to win it. But often, you think you have a lot left in the tank, and when you ask the horse, the answer is no.” Bailey was about to learn that with a horse trained by Fabre, the answer is usually yes. As Arcangues surged past the front-running favorite, Bertrando, half a furlong from the finish line, the atmosphere in the grandstands at Santa Anita shifted dramatically, as if Fabre himself had flipped a switch, reducing the noise from a deafening roar to stunned silence. Fabre's legacy continues to grow, and as he prepares for another shot at the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, all eyes will be on his latest contender, Sosie, as he aims for his ninth triumph in this iconic race.