Tom Marquand has secured a high-profile spare ride in Sunday's £4.1 million Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, partnering French Oaks winner Gezora for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. The 27-year-old jockey, fresh from his second Classic victory on Scandinavia in the St Leger, will be aboard the 16-1 chance in Europe's richest horse race.
Graffard, who saddles three runners in the 1m4f showpiece, confirmed the jockey bookings: Mickael Barzalona rides Daryz, Alexis Pouchin partners Quisisana, and Marquand takes the reins on Gezora. Christophe Soumillon, who rode Gezora to her Classic success, is expected to partner either Minnie Hauk or Los Angeles for Aidan O'Brien, with Ryan Moore still sidelined.
Gezora, winner of the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) in June, finished second behind Aventure in the Prix Vermeille last time out. Graffard praised her performance, saying, 'Gezora's race in the Prix Vermeille was really good. She galloped on really nicely at the end under hands and heels, and Aventure is a favourite for the Arc. We really rode her to build her for the Arc.'
The trainer added that Gezora is 'very easy' and 'doesn't stress', describing the Arc as 'very open this year' and 'a very tough race'. He concluded, 'I will cross my fingers but she deserves to take her chance.'
Graffard also provided updates on his other runners: Daryz, who has won four of his six starts, and Quisisana, unbeaten in four outings this year including a Group 1 success at Deauville in August. 'We ran Daryz last time to see if he can handle soft ground and he proved to be very competitive,' said Graffard. 'Quisisana only raced three times this year so she is spot on for the Arc. She is in very good shape.'
