Japanese runner Byzantine Dream emerges as a leading contender for the upcoming Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
A thrilling duel between Sosie and Byzantine Dream
He was not necessarily the one most in the spotlight at the start of the Qatar Prix Foy (Gr.2) on Sunday at ParisLongchamp… but the Japanese thoroughbred Byzantine Dream (Epiphaneia), trained by Tomoyasu Sakaguchi, stylishly defeated the French runner Sosie (Sea The Stars), who himself was considered one of the most solid contenders for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr.1), to be run on October 5 over the same course.
During the race, Mont St Michel (Galileo) set a strong pace, as though he were acting as pacemaker for his stablemate Los Angeles (Camelot) – the latter duly taking his slipstream to lead the pack, in which Almaqam (Lope de Vega), Sosie, and Arrow Eagle (Gleneagles) were well placed. The Japanese runner was meanwhile kept out of sight at the rear, alongside notably the French horse Iresine (Manduro).
On entering the straight, Los Angeles moved up, closely tracked by Sosie – himself shadowed in turn by Byzantine Dream. It became a relay race: Sosie first took the lead from Los Angeles, only to be overhauled close home by Byzantine Dream, who prevailed without a single flick of the whip. Always in the thick of things, but slightly wider in a race decided on the inside rail, Almaqam snatched third ahead of a brave Los Angeles.
The Qatar Prix Foy, open to horses aged 4 and older, has long smiled upon the Japanese, who had already won it several times with Deep Bond (2021, unplaced in the Arc) and Orfèvre (2012 and 2013, later twice runner-up in the Arc), not to mention the champion El Condor Pasa (1999, runner-up in Montjeu’s Arc).
Official Result – QATAR PRIX FOY
1st BYZANTINE DREAM (O. Murphy)
2nd SOSIE (M. Guyon)
3rd ALMAQAM (W. Buick)
Time: 2’28’’32. Margins: ½ – 2 – Head.
Quotes
Tomoyasu Sakaguchi, trainer of Byzantine Dream (1st), Japan:
“The horse was in very good condition. The jockey rode a perfect race. It’s a beautiful victory. He still has room for improvement. He will be at the peak of his condition for the Arc. Today was just a prep race, and he still has something in hand. The question will be the ground, but the main goal is to have the horse ready for the Arc, and then we’ll see how the ground turns out on the day.”
Oisin Murphy, jockey of Byzantine Dream (1st):
“He relaxed very well during the race. He’s a very good horse. He’s truly amazing. He’s got a lot of temperament and possesses a very sharp turn of foot. The Arc is the most important race in the world. He will have a strong chance if the ground stays good.”
Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager for Wertheimer & Frère, owners of Sosie (2nd):
“That was a very good return! He hadn’t run since early July, and the idea was to prepare him for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. We were beaten by the horse we knew the least about, but against the other runners, he clearly showed his quality. If all goes well, we’ll be at the start of the Arc in four weeks’ time. We are satisfied.”
Edward Walker, trainer of Almaqam (3rd), England:
“That’s a very good performance, I’m very pleased with Almaqam. All week, I was worried about where to run him. I think we made exactly the right choice in coming here. He definitely stays the trip. We learned a lot today. Almaqam wasn’t beaten by much. I think he will be better on softer ground. He’s had a light campaign this year, and today’s race opens up more options for him going forward. Disappointed to be beaten, but very pleased nonetheless. (…) I believe he’s a great horse. This is probably the best year to run in the Arc. William [Buick, his jockey] told me: ‘If you’re going to take your chance, do it this year!’ As an option, we had the Champion Stakes, which will be a red-hot race. But I think he really enjoys the mile-and-a-half. So why not try? If the boss [Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum] agrees to take the chance, then I think we should go for it.”
Byzantine Dream wins wild card for Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
The Qatar Prix Foy is the sixth stage of the Arc Races, a new circuit of eight exceptional races whose winners earn a wild card for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
On Sunday 7 September at ParisLongchamp, the winner of the Qatar Prix Foy, Byzantine Dream, earned his place in the ‘world cup of thoroughbreds’, which will be contested on Sunday 5 October at ParisLongchamp.
With the Arc Races, France Galop offers a clear, easy-to-follow and spectacular way to follow the greatest champions on their way to the Arc. The series is designed to engage both enthusiasts and newcomers alike, thrilling them throughout a season rich in excitement.
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.