Youmzain connection admit frustration at defeat

Connections of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runner-up Youmzain have admitted their frustration at the colt’s narrow defeat in the Longchamp showpiece.

Mick Channon’s four-year-old ran the race of his life to be beaten a head by the brilliant Dylan Thomas, and the team then had an agonising 35-minute wait while the French stewards deliberated over whether the Ballydoyle inmate should keep the race.

Although Youmzain’s narrow defeat provoked bittersweet feelings, owner Jaber Abdullah’s racing manager Bruce Raymond was delighted to see him run such a big race.

“I’d have been happier to have been beaten a length and then we could have enjoyed it a bit more as to get so near is a bit frustrating,” said Raymond.

“The winner picked up so quick and that is where he won the race. I know Kieren Fallon said if they went around again he would still have won but it is always a bit of an exaggeration when people say that.

“When Dylan Thomas quickened up, that was where he won the race as he has that real touch of class about him. We were a lot closer yesterday than we were in the King George though.

“He just lacks a touch of quickening class. He does quicken but it is not instant.

“I was pretty confident going into the race as I knew he was in top form. He was second to Rail Link in the Niel last year so he would probably have been placed in the Arc last year.

“When he gets decent ground and a good strong pace he is a very good horse.

“Mick deserves a lot of credit because he has been on the go since Dubai in March but I would think that will be it for the season. The Breeders’ Cup hasn’t been mentioned.

“I think he will stay in training as there is not much point in him going off to stud as you would rather use his father, Sinndar, who won the Arc.

“With the likes of Dylan Thomas and Authorized gone for next year, the new horses will now be thinking about beating Youmzain as he is obviously getting stronger.”