The 2024 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe saw an exhilarating and historic victory as Bluestocking, guided by the skillful Irish jockey Rossa Ryan, claimed the prestigious title. This victory was not just a win for the horse, but a defining moment in Ryan’s career and a testament to the trust trainer Ralph Beckett and owner Juddmonte had in Bluestocking’s abilities. The triumph secured Juddmonte their seventh Arc victory, tying them with the Aga Khan family’s record in one of the most prestigious horse races in Europe.

Bluestocking’s journey to the Arc wasn’t straightforward. She was a late entry into the race, with Juddmonte paying the €120,000 supplementary fee just days before the event. However, this gamble paid off spectacularly. The decision to enter Bluestocking in the Arc came after her strong performance in the Group 1 Prix Vermeille, which provided the confidence needed to take on the biggest race of the season.

From the moment the gates opened, Rossa Ryan showcased his tactical brilliance. Bluestocking broke sharply from stall three, immediately securing a prominent position on the inside rail. Ryan skillfully positioned Bluestocking behind Los Angeles, allowing the favourite, Sosie, to remain on his outside. This early positioning proved crucial, as Ryan kept Bluestocking in the perfect spot throughout the race, waiting for the right moment to make his move.

As they entered the final turn, Ryan’s patience and timing were rewarded. With soft ground underfoot, he nudged Bluestocking into the lead, leaving her competitors behind. Aventure, Bluestocking’s closest rival, made a late surge, but it wasn’t enough to catch the determined filly. Bluestocking crossed the finish line victorious, delivering a career-defining win for Ryan and a maiden Arc win for Beckett.

Ryan’s performance in the Arc is being hailed as a masterclass in race riding. Commentators noted that he dictated the race from start to finish, making all the right decisions at the perfect moments. His calm, collected approach, combined with Bluestocking’s exceptional ability, made this Arc victory look effortless. As one analyst put it, Ryan “was born to ride in, and positively impact, the very biggest races”.

For Juddmonte, the victory is particularly significant. The late Prince Khalid Abdullah, Juddmonte’s founder, had built his racing empire with a focus on developing strong female bloodlines, and Bluestocking’s triumph in the Arc underscores the importance of this strategy. “To win Juddmonte’s seventh Arc with a filly is very, very special,” noted Juddmonte’s racing manager, Barry Mahon. This victory not only celebrates the continuation of Juddmonte’s legacy but also reaffirms the power of fillies in the racing world, with nine of the last 14 Arc winners being female.

As for Bluestocking’s future, there is some uncertainty. While she has had an outstanding season, the decision on whether she will race again or be retired to stud will be made in the coming weeks. Whatever happens, her performance in the 2024 Arc will be remembered as one of the highlights of her career and a defining moment in modern European racing.

Rossa Ryan, at just 24 years old, has now firmly established himself as one of the top jockeys in the sport. His ability to handle the pressure of Europe’s biggest race with such composure speaks volumes about his talent. It’s clear that Ryan and Bluestocking’s partnership has the potential for more success, whether on the track or in the history books of racing.

With Bluestocking’s victory, the Arc remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable events in horse racing, and this year’s race will undoubtedly go down as a classic. For Ryan, Beckett, and Juddmonte, it marks the culmination of hard work, faith, and a bit of bold decision-making that paid off in the most spectacular way.

For more stories and insights, visit It’s On

Instagram:@itson.ie

TikTok videos and information:@itson.ie