Los Angeles could be aimed at the Qipco Champion Stakes after finishing third in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the colt, ridden by Ryan Moore, attempted to lead from the front but was overtaken just over a furlong out by Bluestocking and Aventure, finishing two and three-quarter lengths behind.
Having previously run a close fourth in the Irish Champion Stakes over 10 furlongs, O’Brien is considering dropping Los Angeles back to that distance if the Coolmore team decides to race him again this season.
"It’s hard to lead all the way, but he ran a good race. He’s still a bit green out there," O’Brien said. "We’ll see how he is, but if he runs again, the Champion Stakes is a possibility."
O’Brien’s other runner, Continuous, finished last after encountering trouble when Haya Zark suffered an injury mid-race. "He got taken out by the injured horse, so that ended his race," O’Brien explained.
Aventure, trained by Christophe Ferland, finished a length and a half ahead of Los Angeles in second. Despite her earlier defeat by Bluestocking in the Prix Vermeille, Ferland was pleased with the decision to run Aventure in the Arc instead of the Prix de l’Opera.
"I’m so proud of her," Ferland said. "We knew Bluestocking is a fantastic filly, but Aventure is only three and still has another year ahead. I’m excited for her 2025 campaign; she’ll definitely stay in training."
Ferland also praised Ralph Beckett, trainer of the victorious Bluestocking, adding, "We go way back. He’s a top trainer with a top filly. Congratulations on his first Arc win."