Take Yutaka | Horse photos
Legendary Japanese driver Yutaka Take will be on board Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, according to Japan NetKeiba Publication.
The four-year-old colt, now owned by Masaaki Matsushima and the Al Riffa Syndicate, won the Grand Prix of Berlin (G1) in their colours at Hoppegarten on August 11. Take will take part in the traditional competition for the eleventh time, the first since Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}) in 2022, in which Matsushima was also involved.
“I had an offer to ride in the Berlin Grand Prix but it was a bit too short notice,” Take recently told the racing press at Sapporo Racecourse of the Joseph O’Brien-trained horse. “If everything goes well, we’re aiming for the Arc. There’s also talk of riding him in a trial race beforehand, which I’m delighted about. It’s a great offer and I’m excited. His last race, when he finished second in the G1 Eclipse Stakes, was impressive. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Al Riffa doubled his Group 1 tally on Sunday by winning the G1 National Stakes as a juvenile. Before his exploits at Hoppegarten, he finished second to 2024 G1 Derby hero City Of Troy (Justify) in the G1 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.
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This story was posted in Europe, Shared News Europe, Top News Europe and tagged Al Riffa (Fr), Al Riffa Syndicate, Arc ride, G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Joseph O’Brien, Masaaki Matsushima, Yutake Take.
