I think that in years to come, when I look back at the races that I have watched, this year’s Arc will rank as one of the most dramatic. There was the ultimate irony of Kieren Fallon having to wait an age for the “judges” decision.
Before the race there was talk of Frankie Dettori being in line for sportsperson of the year. Today’s race has almost certainly scuppered that and I don’t somehow think that Kieren Fallon will be in the running for that particular prize.
Whether or not jockey error cost Authorized will no doubt be debated over the coming days and long into the future. In reality though the warnings signs were there before the horse ever went to post. It was always going to be tough from that outside draw, the runs of Dutch Art and Tariq made me a little uneasy and of course not many Epson Derby winners have won the Arc in recent times.
Authorized seemed to me to be pulling bit too hard early on and I wasn’t sure he handled the turns that well. He certainly never really looked like making up th ground and his challenge soon fizzled out. Did he get too much daylight? Maybe. It was a wonderful performance from Dylan Thomas anyway, and it was good to see one of my old football heroes Mick Channon so pleased with the super run from Youmzain.
This was also a triumph for Kieren Fallon who, like the truly great jockeys, makes that crucial difference between success and failure.
Elsewhere at Longchamp Benbaun continued his impressive run this season in the Abbaye. He is a very consistent sprinter. I had rather written him off because of the ground but both he and Dylan Thomas won despite conditions not being in their favour.
Not much that catches my eye about Monday’s racing so I will leave it there for tonight
ahorse 