Al Hakeem halved in price for Arc after Group 3 success on Jacques le Marois undercard

Al Hakeem showed himself to be back on track with victory in the Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey Club, giving Al Shaqab an excellent second string to their bow for the Arc alongside recent part-acquisition Look De Vega.

It was the five-year-old's first success since he suffered a serious leg injury in April 2023.

Sheikh Joaan Al Thani was on hand to welcome back Al Hakeem having arrived direct from Paris, where he has been acting as supporter-in-chief for the Qatar team in his role as president of the country's Olympic committee. 

Paddy Power immediately went 33-1 (from 66) for the Arc, which may yet underestimate a horse who was fourth to Alpinista in the 2022 running and appears to be stronger than ever as a five-year-old. 

"He ran a good comeback at Longchamp after a very long absence and I must say the level of care he was given in England by Al Shaqab was remarkable and he has come back to us in fantastic condition," said Jean-Bernard Roth, assistant to trainer Jean-Claude Rouget. 

Sheikh Joaan after Al Hakeem had won the Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey ClubCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He has excellent physical qualities, a great mind and an extraordinary amount of potential, while behind him there has been great teamwork and a lot of work over many hours."

Roth added: "All that allows us to continue on our way into the autumn with a horse in great shape and progressing all the time. He's a gladiator. He'll stay at 2,000 metres [mile and a quarter] for the Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte before going on to run in the Arc if all goes well. He's equally effective over both distances."

Cowardofthecounty strikes for O'Brien

Less than 24 hours after Babouche announced herself as one of the leading fillies of her generation in winning the Phoenix Stakes, one of her previous victims added further lustre to her reputation.

Cowardofthecounty and Ryan Moore are led in after the Prix Francois Boutin at DeauvilleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Cowardofthecounty was sent off at 9-4 against Babouche in the Anglesey over six furlongs but was beaten more than four lengths, a run that encouraged trainer Joseph O'Brien to try an extra furlong with the son of Kodi Bear in the Group 3 Prix Francois Boutin.

Ryan Moore always appeared to have the unbeaten favourite Houquetot covered and Cowardofthecounty ran out a convincing winner.

Moore said: "The step up to seven furlongs suited and he feels like a nice horse with a good future."

Ombudsman blows apart Prix Nureyev

Godolphin's Ombudsman picked up his rivals off the home turn under Ryan Moore before surging an eased-down three and a half lengths clear of Sons And Lovers in the Listed Prix Nureyev. 

Ryan Moore and Ombudsman after winning the Prix Nureyev at DeauvilleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Joint-trainer John Gosden said: "That was an Irish-English race. I've never seen them go that fast around here in a three-year-old race. He did it well and he's a lovely horse but not one to overrace this year. It will be all about next year."

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (October 6, Longchamp)

William Hill: 7-2 Look De Vega, 8 Sosie, 10 Opera Singer, 12 City Of Troy, 14 Los Angeles, 16 Al Riffa, Continuous, Delius, Economics, Shin Emperor, Sparkling Plenty, White Birch, 20 Auguste Rodin, Bluestocking, Mqse De Sevigne, Survie, 25 bar

Read more . . .

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