Young jockey loses ride of a lifetime to 55-year-old rival after ‘big offer’ for major Arc de Triomphe player Al Riffa
YOUNG jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle has reportedly lost the ride of a lifetime – after a 55-year-old rival accepted a ‘big offer’ to take his place.
Joseph O’Brien’s main man McMonagle steered the trainer’s major Arc de Triomphe player Al Riffa to Group 1 glory in Germany last weekend.
Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle has apparently lost the ride of a lifetime on Al Riffa in the ArcSportsfile
Last seen finishing an eyecatching second to City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse, Al Riffa surged home over 1m4f at Hoppegarten.
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The race has a knack of producing Arc winners, with 2021 Paris winner Alpinista and 2020 king Torquator Tasso previously claiming the race.
McMonagle, 22, did well to survive a messy final bend and powered home on the improving four-year-old colt, who’s as short as 12-1 for the Paris showpiece.
The jockey has ridden Al Riffa in seven of his nine career races, guiding him to all three of his victories, including his first Group 1 in September 2022.
But it appears he has been looked over for the big ride in October in favour of ageing Japanese legend Yutaka Take.
Take was quoted in Japanese media as saying: “The owners approached me and asked if I would ride.
“If all goes well it looks like he will be running in the Arc – and I was happy to receive the request.
“It’s a big offer. I’m looking forward to it.”
The tie in came about owing to Take’s friendship with Masaaki Matsushima.
Reports claim Matsushima, who co-owned the awesome Broome with Coolmore and made his fortune selling cars, bought into a share of Al Riffa.
He also owned Do Deuce, who Take rode to finish second-last in the 2022 Arc.
Doubts surround whether Matsushima is still involved in Al Riffa, though, as according to the horse’s listing, Matsushima was seemingly removed from co-ownership on August 7.
The horse is now solely owned by Al Riffa Syndicate.
It’s possible Matsushima could be part of the syndicate – and using his considerable clout to lobby Take for the ride.
Japanese trainers, jockeys, owners and fans are absolutely desperate to win the Arc.
They memorably came close in 2012 with Orfevre who was pipped in the final strides by 33-1 Solemia.
Trainer O’Brien said after Al Riffa’s latest win: “It’s been a wonderful day and Al Riffa put up a really good performance so we’re very proud.
“Dylan gave the horse a fantastic ride.
“He’s had a busy season so far, racing in France, Britain, America and now Germany, so I think he’ll have a little rest and then be prepared for the Arc.”
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