High Chaparral leads Longchamp Irish hopes

All eyes will be on the Aidan O’Brien-trained High Chaparral in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp today.

Following his thrilling victory over recent Ascot winner Falbrav in the Ireland The Food Island Champion Stakes at Leopardstown he looks sure to go very close.

A close third to Marienbard in the race last year, High Chaparral went on to win at the Breeders Cup meeting in America last October before landing the Royal Whip Stakes at the Curragh on his seasonal re-appearance in mid-August.

A bruised shoulder was the reason he did not race in the early part of the season but O'Brien is hoping he can defeat the well-regarded Dalakhani.

Other Irish interest in the race centres around the Dermot Weld-trained Vinnie Roe who faces his stiffest test to date today.

However, Weld's charge is in good form, having completed a hat-trick of wins in the Irish Field St Leger at the Curragh three weeks ago.