2025 Prix de l’Arc de Triopmhe hero Daryz is out to make history at Longchamp on Thursday. He takes part in the Group 1 Prix Aga Khan IV. Another top level prize takes place at the Parisian venue on Thursday too, with British interest.
Here is Thursday’s racing news today.
Two Group 1s at Longchamp headlined by Daryz
Longchamp hosts two Group 1 races on Thursday, as the European flat season hots up. Daryz is the headline act, making his second start of 2026. The Prix de l’Arc de Triopmhe winner from last season began his campaign with an easy win in the Prix Ganay, another top level prize. He won that race by three-and-a-half lengths and will aim to be just as impressive in the Prix Aga Khan IV. The race, named after his late owner, is over a shorter distance. He would be the first horse to win the contest after having won the Arc previously. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
The other Group 1 trophy on offer is the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier. Santorini Star is one of the British raiders aiming for glory in the staying showpiece. William Haggas’ mare returned with success in the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket over 1m4f. She is joined by fellow British-trained filly Consent, while both Caballo De Mar and Fairy Glen also represent trainers from across the English Channel. Joseph O’Brien’s Al Riffa represents Ireland in the race. (At The Races)
Two recent winners have Royal Ascot on their radar
Karl Burke unleashed Wild Blossom earlier this week. That filly is now favourite for the Queen Mary Stakes, though Burke looks to have unearthed another potential royal meeting star. Ruler’s Pride is another Wathnan-owned juvenile, having been purchased for 550,000gns. Sent off the 2/7 favourite for an Ayr maiden on Wednesday, he duly dispatched only two rivals for a comfortable success. The Group 2 Norfolk Stakes over the minimum 5f would be the aim at Ascot if travelling. (Sporting Life)
Arc Ole Ole is another who may be targeted at the royal meeting. Dylan Cunha’s three-year-old was an impressive winner of a handicap at York’s Dante meeting. The son of Study Of Man may have the King George V Stakes on his radar. The 1m4f handicap is for three-year-olds only and was won in grand style by Merchant in 2025. (Racing TV)
Peter Savill receiving support for BHA return
More than 200 figures in the racing world have backed the return of Peter Savill as BHA Chair. The role has been a poisoned chalice of late. Lord Allen stepped down from the role after only six months earlier this year. Savill was chair of the BHB between 1998 and 2004. The BHB was the predecessor of the BHA and Savill, aged 78, could make a remarkable return 22 years on. It is approaching three months since the BHA’s Chair role was filled. (Racing Post)