Christophe Ferland, trainer: "With Aventure, I’m approaching the race with confidence"

On Sunday, October 5, Christophe Ferland—trainer based in Chantilly (Oise) since January 2023, after beginning his career in La Teste (Gironde)—will saddle Aventure for a new edition of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1), in which she comes in as the favourite.

Aventure is owned by Wertheimer & Frère. She finished second in last year’s Arc, in 2024, and appears even stronger this year. She already won the Prix Allez France (Group 3) and the Prix Corrida (Group 2), both against fillies only. In the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Group 1) at the end of June, only Calandagan managed to beat her.

Most recently, Aventure secured a convincing victory in the Qatar Prix Vermeille (Group 1)—a key prep race for the Arc—run over the same course and distance as the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2,400 metres, ParisLongchamp's main track), defeating even her younger stablemate Gezora, who had won the Prix de Diane Longines (Group 1) in June.

On Sunday, October 5, Aventure will be ridden by Maxime Guyon, Wertheimer & Frère’s first jockey and a four-time winner of the Cravache d’Or, the annual title awarded to France’s leading jockey in number of wins.

Christophe Ferland has yet to win the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but he has previously found success during this prestigious weekend, notably with Dabirsim, winner of the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère in 2011, and Indonésienne, victorious in the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac in 2013.

Ferland shared his thoughts on Aventure’s chances and the significance of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe during a press conference held Monday morning by France Galop.

A first Group 1 in the Qatar Prix Vermeille

"Aventure’s win in the Qatar Prix Vermeille—her first Group 1—was a real relief. We had really been waiting for that victory! Before that, she had raced four times at this level, first in the Prix de Diane Longines, where she finished fourth, then against older horses, which is always a challenging assignment. She was only beaten by horses of the calibre of Bluestocking, the Arc winner, or Calandagan! This win in the Vermeille was a major step in her career—though we naturally have more goals ahead."

A smooth preparation

"Aventure recovered very well from her last race. I haven’t encountered any issues in her preparation for the Arc, which allows me to approach the race calmly. I don’t pay attention to the fact that she’s the favourite. I’m going through it all serenely, without the pressure I felt last year. In the ten days leading up to the 2024 Arc, we had many discussions about whether to run her in the Arc or the Prix de l’Opéra, which seemed like an easier option. I had the green light from her owners to enter the Arc. We have this motto: ‘We win together, we lose together!’ Her second place last year was deeply emotional for me."

Ground conditions won't be an issue

"Aventure performs well on soft ground as well as on heavier going. On Monday morning, the track reading was 3.7 on the penetrometer. It might rain a little before the race, but I’m not obsessively checking the weather—it’s something we simply can’t control! Nights are cool and humid now, so the track won’t dry as quickly as it does in summer."

Jockey: It’s up to Maxime Guyon now!

"Maxime Guyon will ride Aventure. Last year, he rode Sosie in the same silks. He knows the filly very well. Aventure was runner-up last year… It’s up to him to make sure she wins this time!"

The importance of the draw

"The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a true world championship, and every horse at the start deserves respect. Minnie Hauk is a very talented filly; Sosie is in great form; Gezora, winner of the Prix de Diane Longines and runner-up in the Qatar Prix Vermeille, must also be taken seriously; and the Japanese horses won the prep races… Much will depend on the outcome of the post-position draw. It remains a very important factor."

From La Teste to Chantilly

"In January 2023, I made the decision to relocate and set up in Chantilly. I have no regrets, obviously! From the very first year, we had horses performing well at Group level, like Lindy and Double Major. Then in 2024, Aventure rose to the level you now know. The move to Chantilly has especially benefitted the horses, as they no longer need to travel six hours by truck to race in Paris. That kind of travel is manageable once in a while, but over the course of a season, racing just an hour away from the yard makes a real difference."

QREC, the official partner of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

The QREC was established in the early 1960s before achieving official recognition in 1975. It is mandated with representing, promoting and advancing equine and equestrian initiatives, from grassroots programmes to the international arena. Focused on equestrian sport and horse welfare, the QREC is dedicated to promoting Qatar as a world class hub for horse racing and a leader in the Pure Arabian breed.

The QREC works in collaboration with local bodies dedicated to achieving excellence in planning, regulation and the development of Qatar’s racing industry to reflect the world's best practices. The QREC has been partner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe since 2008, and from 2022, it also became the title partner of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, one of the most important races for the selection of the breed.