Trainer Joseph O’Brien remains hopeful that stable jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle can win his race against time to partner leading Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe contender Thundering On at Longchamp. Browne McMonagle has been sidelined since a fall at Bellewstown on August 25, leaving O’Brien to rely on alternative bookings while monitoring weather forecasts that increasingly point toward softer ground for the European middle-distance championship.
Thundering On’s Arc Bid and Jockey Uncertainty
Shapoor and Pallon Mistry alongside O’Brien have not yet arrived at a definitive choice regarding Thundering On taking part in the marquee event. During a media call with organizers France Galop, O’Brien addressed the jockey situation following Browne McMonagle’s ongoing recovery from his August 25 fall. “We haven’t yet and obviously it would be great if Dylan would be back, but it remains to be seen if he gets passed by the doctor so we’ll make that decision at that stage,” O’Brien stated regarding the ride. “There’s a chance he’ll be ready for next weekend.”
While Ryan Moore steered the filly to a wide-margin victory in the Blandford Stakes at the Curragh during the Irish Champions Festival, the potential return of Browne McMonagle—who finished 12th aboard White Birch on his first Arc ride 12 months ago—would provide a significant lift. Thundering On is priced no bigger than 15-2 to cap a monumental year for the stable.
Weather Forecasts and Ground Conditions
Track conditions remain a critical factor in the ownership group’s final deliberations. While clerk of the course Charles de Cordon anticipated a dry run-up to the meeting earlier in the week, subsequent forecasts have introduced the possibility of rain. One forecasting service predicts up to 20mm of rain on Thursday, while a second service indicates varying amounts across Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
“An absolute final decision has yet to be made about Thundering On’s participation,” O’Brien said. “But if her ownership, Shapoor and Pallon Mistry, decided to let her race, we feel as though she has the talent and the aptitude for a race like the Arc. Of course we will have to watch the ground conditions between now and the race because things still can change. I think it’s fair to say that her optimum conditions would be on the softer side of good.”
O’Brien’s Wider Longchamp Team
Beyond Thundering On, the yard is considering several other runners for the Longchamp fixture. Folsom Blues is under consideration following the decision not to declare him for the Middle Park. “It’s still a little bit up in the air but Beset might go for the Royallieu,” O’Brien said. “Folsom Blues will either go Lagardere or Dewhurst, while Green Empress has an option for the Boussac.”
Did you know?
Dylan Browne McMonagle made his first appearance in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 12 months ago, finishing 12th aboard White Birch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who trains Thundering On?
Thundering On is trained by Joseph O’Brien.
Why is Dylan Browne McMonagle a doubt for the Arc ride?
The stable jockey has been out of action since sustaining a fall at Bellewstown on August 25 and must be passed fit by a doctor.
What are Thundering On’s preferred ground conditions?
Joseph O’Brien noted that the filly’s optimum conditions would be on the softer side of good.
What other horses is Joseph O’Brien considering for Longchamp?
The stable is considering Folsom Blues, Beset for the Royallieu, and Green Empress for the Boussac.
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