The first weekend of October brings excitement to the global horse racing community, with major events happening in different parts of the world.
While American fans focused on the Breeders’ Cup preparations, Europe’s attention turned to the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in Paris.
This event is not only famous for its thrilling races but also for having trials that can lead competitors to the Breeders’ Cup.
Meanwhile, racing enthusiasts in Australia, Japan, England, and Hong Kong are also part of this worldwide spectacle, tuning in to their own regional races that contribute to this vibrant, international scene.
France
The thrilling Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe saw Juddmonte’s filly, Bluestocking, win after being supplemented into the race for €120,000.
She defeated Aventure and Coolmore’s Los Angeles, earning over €2.5 million. Although granted a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, she’s unlikely to run.
Meanwhile, Makarova took the Prix de l’Abbaye, ensuring a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, but she’s retiring. In the Prix de l’Opera, Friendly Soul secured a win, with trainer John Gosden considering the Breeders’ Cup.
Other winners included Ramadan, Grateful, Jayarebe, and Illinois, adding depth to the racing weekend.
Australia
At Randwick, Lady Shenandoah delivered a stunning performance in the Darley Flight Stakes, securing a convincing victory by 3 1/4 lengths.
Harlem Queen followed, with race favorite Snow in May finishing third. Trained by Chris Waller, Lady Shenandoah’s success echoes her earlier triumph in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty. The win somewhat mitigated Waller’s disappointment after Autumn Glow was scratched.
Meanwhile, Land Legend claimed a narrow victory in the James Squire Metropolitan Handicap, edging out Godolphin filly Zardozi. Known as a competitive race, it lived up to expectations with tight finishes.
In the TAB Epsom Handicap, Ceowulf surged past rivals to win by more than a length. These results began shaping Breeders’ Cup odds, as trainers and fans anticipated future races with increased excitement.
Japan
At the Tokyo Racecourse, Arte Veloce, a 2-year-old colt, impressed fans with a strong performance. Competing in the Grade 2 Saudi Arabia Royal Cup, he extended his record to two wins from two starts.
The colt, son of Maurice, made an exciting move from the outside, overtaking the leaders to secure victory by 1 length.
This race marked Arte Veloce’s successful stretch to 1 mile, showcasing his potential to become a rising star in the racing world.
His thrilling win caught the attention of many and added to the anticipation for future races.
England
At Newmarket, Tamfana showed great speed in the G1 Sun Chariot Stakes. She took the lead with 2 furlongs to go and held it easily, winning by 2 lengths. This victory comes right after her success in the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown.
Tamfana, a filly bred in Germany by Soldier Hollow, proved her strength against strong competition like Inspiral. Her impressive run at Newmarket marks her as a noteworthy horse in the racing world.
Hong Kong
Romantic Warrior, the reigning Horse of the Year in Hong Kong, had an easy time in a barrier trial at Happy Valley Racecourse. This trial served as a warmup for the new season. Romantic Warrior has already won eight big races known as Group 1 races.
This includes wins in the Cox Plate in Australia and the Yasuda Kinen in Japan. He is scheduled to compete in the COCHK Jockey Club Cup in November, which is a precursor to the Longines Hong Kong Cup taking place in December.
He has already won the Hong Kong Cup twice. If he does well, trainer Danny Shum might enter him in famous races like the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup.
