Dylan Browne McMonagle faces a race against time to recover from a fall at Bellewstown and take the ride aboard leading Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe contender Thundering On at Longchamp. Trainer Joseph O’Brien confirmed that a final decision on the jockey’s availability and the horse’s participation in Europe’s premier middle-distance championship remains open as race week approaches.
Jockey Fitness and Stable Plans for Longchamp
Browne McMonagle has been sidelined since his August 25 fall, prompting O’Brien to utilize alternative riders including Declan McDonogh and Joey Sheridan during the interim. When asked about potential external replacements for the high-profile Longchamp ride, O’Brien stated that no other jockeys have been approached yet. He noted that while a return for next weekend remains possible, clearance from medical professionals is required before any final booking is made.
Thundering On enters the picture following a wide-margin victory in the Blandford Stakes at the Curragh during the Irish Champions Festival, where Ryan Moore was in the saddle. Owned by Shapoor and Pallon Mistry, the filly is priced at no bigger than 15-2 for the Arc. O’Brien indicated that if the owners decide to let her run, she possesses the necessary talent and aptitude, provided ground conditions lean toward the softer side of good.
Weather Forecasts and Ground Conditions
Course conditions at Longchamp remain a variable for trainers evaluating runners for the October 4 fixture. While clerk of the course Charles de Cordon anticipated a dry build-up earlier in the week, updated meteorological forecasts have introduced the possibility of rain. Competing forecasting services project varying precipitation levels between Wednesday and Friday, with one model suggesting up to 20mm of rain on Thursday.
O’Brien’s Potential Select Paris Squad
Alongside Thundering On, O’Brien is weighing options for several other Group 1 winners at the Longchamp meeting. Folsom Blues is under consideration for either the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere or the Dewhurst Stakes following a decision to bypass the Middle Park Stakes. Additional entries include Beset, who is a candidate for the Prix de Royallieu, and Green Empress, who holds an entry option for the Prix Marcel Boussac.
Worth a look