Rossa Ryan is still coming to terms with his triumph as a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-winning jockey, after Bluestocking secured their place in racing history.
Ryan expertly guided the Ralph Beckett-trained four-year-old throughout the race, settling just behind Ryan Moore on Los Angeles in the early stages before making his move with three furlongs remaining. Bluestocking, a proven stayer at a mile and a half, showed her class once again, confirming her Prix Vermeille form by holding off Aventure by a length and a quarter.
Speaking to Racing TV after winning aboard Beckett’s Sir Dinadan at Pontefract, Ryan shared his emotions: "It’s a bit surreal, to be honest. I woke up a very happy man this morning—I was on top of the world. Everything went perfectly, but it all started with how well she broke from the gate. After that, it was smooth sailing."
He added, "When Ryan [Moore] moved Los Angeles forward, I thought, ‘Brilliant,’ because that gave me one of the key runners to follow. I was able to wait for the right moment and make my challenge without forcing anything—and the rest is history."
Bluestocking's journey to Arc Glory has been remarkable. Despite finishing second in both the Irish Oaks and on Champions Day at Ascot last year, she had just a novice stakes win to her name as a two-year-old. But she has flourished at four, winning the Middleton Stakes at York, the Pretty Polly at the Curragh, the Prix Vermeille, and now the Arc.
Ryan continued, "Three furlongs out, she lit up like never before. When Sosie and others came around us, she responded better than ever—she was ready for the big day. Ralph and the team had her absolutely spot on."
He also praised the careful campaign Beckett orchestrated: "Ralph has managed her perfectly, much like John Oxx did with Sea The Stars. She’s run three times in nine weeks and delivered each time. The Vermeille form held strong, and Aventure came through with me again."
Reflecting on the moment, Ryan said, "I still can’t believe it. Having my parents and friends there was amazing. The media had written her off all week, but the more I studied the form, the more confident I became—and she didn’t let me down."