'She ran a great race' - Breeders' Cup still an option for Minnie Hauk after going so close in Arc

Legions of Irish and British fans had travelled to Longchamp believing that Minnie Hauk would bring Aidan O'Brien a third victory in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, a confidence reinforced when he landed the opening two Group 1s on the glittering card. 

And the sound which reverberated around the stands as Christophe Soumillon made his challenge attested to the fact that plenty of local turfistes were also banking on Minnie Hauk getting the job done. 

It was not to be but O'Brien was full of praise for his filly, who, in common with her conqueror Daryz, has come a long way in 2025. 

"She ran a great race. We're delighted with her," said O'Brien, who wouldn't admit to allowing the thought of victory to creep into his mind at any stage of the long and unforgiving Longchamp straight. "I’m never sure. I never expect anything," he said.

Asked whether a trip to the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar might still be on the cards, he said: "We’ll get her home and see how she is and make a decision."

While O'Brien loves winning, he is a gracious loser and was quick to pay tribute to Daryz's success in a race the late Aga Khan IV loved to win. "It’s marvellous for them; their breeding operation and Princess Zahra, it’s incredible for them all."

Wayne Lordan got stablemate Los Angeles on the shoulder of leaders Croix Du Nord and Hotazhell in the false straight but his challenge folded tamely. Last year's third finished last. O'Brien said: "His run petered out for some reason, so we’ll have to see." 

Sosie comes home in third behind Daryz (near) and Minnie HaukCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Sosie ran a huge race to step up one place from last year's fourth, adding to a CV that includes Group 1 wins in the Grand Prix de Paris, Prix Ganay and Prix d'Ispahan.

His Andre Fabre-trained stablemate Cualificar was caught in the backwash of some scrimmaging turning in and trailed home 15th.

"Sosie ran a very good race and I’m delighted with him," said Fabre. "Cualificar got in a bit of a mess. He could have been a bit closer but he’s a bit inexperienced. I guess [he’ll stay in training]. I'll talk to Sheikh Mohammed to see what we do."

On Sosie's future, he said: "We’ll discuss it. He’s got many options, including the Japan Cup or retirement. Del Mar probably wouldn’t suit him."

Sosie was the lesser fancied of the two runners carrying the silks of Alain and Gerard Wertheimer but big hope Aventure – second to Bluestocking last year and the choice of retained rider Maxime Guyon – was unable to pick up and finished 11th, beaten ten and a half lengths.

"Maxime said she wasn’t quite as fresh today," said trainer Christophe Ferland. "He had a good trip round but she wasn’t able to pick up in the straight. 

"She’s a Group 1 winner and a multiple Group winner. She’s had a great career, she’s won a Vermeille, been second in an Arc and a Vermeille, won lots of good races. The list is a long one. 

"I hope I get to train her offspring and we’ll have to see whether she stays in training at five. It’s been a wonderful adventure chasing the Arc for a second season."

Marco Botti was thrilled with the run of Giavellotto in fourthCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Connections of Giavellotto must have been increasingly concerned during the week as a promising forecast turned wetter and wetter, but the six-year-old ran heroically to be beaten a head by Sosie for third.

"The horse was in really great form and he enjoyed a good trip all the way," said Marco Botti. "It's a shame about the going and on good ground I think he would have probably been third, but I'm thrilled with the run. 

"I hope it doesn't leave a mark on him ahead of his main objective at the end of the season, the Hong Kong Vase. But he's been fourth in an Arc, which is great."

Read more:

Daryz seals 'very special' Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe success after pouncing late to deny Minnie Hauk 

How Daryz went from unraced in March to a Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champion 

Daryz's Arc win puts him third behind two British-based Flat stars in the leading European performers this year  

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