Dylan Browne McMonagle is working towards a return to the saddle in time for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, with Joseph O’Brien hopeful that the jockey can resume his partnership with Thundering On at ParisLongchamp.
There are still two decisions to be made. Thundering On has not yet been confirmed for the Arc, while Browne McMonagle must receive medical clearance following his fall at Bellewstown on 25 August. O’Brien said this week that there was a chance the jockey could be ready for next weekend, but stressed that the decision would follow the doctors’ assessment.
A partnership formed in the Oaks
Browne McMonagle rode Thundering On when she won the Betfred Oaks at Epsom in June for O’Brien and owners Shapoor and Pallon Mistry. The three-year-old filly came from the rear of the field before going clear in the closing stages of the mile-and-a-half Classic.
He also partnered the daughter of Frankel in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh later that month and was booked for an intended ride at Bellewstown when he suffered the fall. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board said at the time that he would be out for a number of weeks, while expecting him to make a full recovery.
O’Brien awaiting medical clearance
Speaking during a France Galop media call, O’Brien said it would be “great” to have Browne McMonagle back aboard if Thundering On takes her place in the Arc, but that the stable must wait to see whether he is passed fit.
The trainer has not approached another jockey for the ride. That leaves the possibility open for Browne McMonagle to reclaim the partnership that delivered one of the season’s major British Classics, provided both horse and rider reach ParisLongchamp.
Thundering On’s Arc decision remains open
Thundering On returned from a break with victory in the Group 2 Blandford Stakes at the Curragh on 13 September, ridden by Ryan Moore. Her Arc campaign remains subject to discussion between O’Brien and her owners, with the Prix de l’Opéra and British Champions Day at Ascot also identified as possible options.
O’Brien said the filly has the stamina, speed and temperament he associates with an Arc runner, and indicated that ground on the softer side of good would be preferable. The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is scheduled to take place at ParisLongchamp on Sunday 4 October.
For Browne McMonagle, the wait is therefore not just about a return date. Medical clearance would give him the chance to reunite with an Oaks-winning filly in Europe’s most prestigious middle-distance race; without it, O’Brien will have to make another plan, assuming Thundering On is sent to France.