Omar's Diary for 5th & 6th October 2024

It was jolly fortunate last night that Lady Servant posed a question.

'When is the big race in Paris. It's October now so it must be soon.'

Man Servant, who is normally well informed in these matters said something about the second weekend of October. I chipped in and said I wasn't quite sure because in previous years I have relied on 'Ticker' coming to Omar Towers and reminding me when the big races are taking place.

Ah, Paris and Longchamp in early October the autumn leaves fall lightly on the lawns of the enclosures to mark the end of the top class flat racing in Europe with a three day meeting at this most elegant of racecourse. Man Servant was there in 1987 and says he was overawed by the chic styles to be seen everywhere combined with an almost 'laissez-faire' that only the French can meld so seamlessly.

He congregated at the entrance to the stands for VIP's to watch the arrivel of President Mitterand. The French equivalent of our Household Cavalry formed a guard of honour on the grand staircase. Before the President arrived the guards had a sort of crumpled look and looked the epitome of 'laissez-faire. When the official motorcade arrived a whistle was blown and they all stood to attention. Despite that posture thy still, in Man Servant's opinion, looked a bit crumpled and casual.

C'est le vie.

A quick search on the internet informed us that the big race, the 'Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe' is being run tomorrow, 6th October, at Longchamp at 1520 British time.

There are 16 runners declared chasing a first prize of £2,484,348. The going is soft and unlikely to change over the next few hours. The distance is one mile and four furlongs which is the same as The Derby and only colts and mares of 3yo and upwards can compete.

Lady Servant has selected 'Blue Stocking' quoted at 11/1 this morning. I think her selection method last night was reasonably scientific as this horse comes from the Juddmonte operation which spans the world of thoroughbred racing. Blue Stocking won last time out over the same course, distance and going as tomorrow.

This morning my belief in her scientific choice was shattered when she told everyone over croissants and coffee that she had a dream. In the dream apparently Lady Servant owned a racehorse and bought some tack for it just before it ran. The tack was blue and the dream selection won.

'I am glad I selected Blue Stocking' last night' Lady Servant said as the breakfast plates were cleared away.

As for man Servant, I am not so sure about his selection. He has certainly gone out on a limb with his selection 'Sevannas Knight' at 66/1. No wonder the turf accountants like him so much. His selection has proved himself as recently as 8th September on tomorrow's course over nearly two miles on soft ground. His best results have always come close together so there is no reason why he cannot be in the frame. This is the each way wager for the day.

Between you and me I think he only chose this one as the colours are very similar to those of Trempolino all those years ago.

As for my selection I have chosen 'Delius. As with 'Sevannas Knight' Delius does well on this course and conditions and seems to relish racing once a month.

And if you have time and watch ITV3 at 2pm for the coverage of Longchamp you will see one of the most spectacular races of the year. The 'Prix de l'Abbaye Longchamp Longines'. This is run over five furlongs, 1000 metres, on the straight. It takes just under a minute to run from when the gates open to the finish line. Blink and it will be over for another year. From a jockey's position, they have to have the reactions of fighter pilots at the start is all important. Make the slightest of timing errors in the stalls when they open and 'bouffe' the race is lost along with £173,000 in prize money.

My selection for this race is 'Bradsell' the 7/2 favourite.

BON CHANCE TOUT LE MONDE