Galway jockey Rossa Ryan describes as "surreal" the moment when he partnered Bluestocking to win the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.
Trained by Ralph Beckett for owner-breeders Juddmonte, the filly was supplemented for the Paris spectacular in the wake of her triumph over course and distance in the Prix Vermeille.
A 5-1 chance, she enjoyed a trouble-free passage in the slipstream of Aidan O'Brien's Los Angeles before holding off the advancing Aventure to land a record seventh Arc for the late Khalid Abdullah's decorated racing operation.
For Ryan, it's the biggest success of his career, just over a year on from his first Group 1 success.
"I thought the first three furlongs of the race were going to be very crucial and when Ryan (Moore) came across me (on Los Angeles) at the mile marker where the trees are at the top of the hill, she took off on me at the top of the straight and it was very surreal that she got over the line in front.
"She has been a stellar mare for my career and hopefully it will take me on to bigger and better things."
Indeed Ryan is the first Irish jockey to win the Paris highlight since Mick Kinane piloted Sea The Stars to glory in 2009.
Son of National Hunt trainer, David, the younger Ryan "caught the bug" at a young age, though was "never pressured into it" as he set about making his mark in the racing world. He grew up in Corofin, a Gaelic football stronghold in Co Galway. It all began with pony racing and then at the age of 16 he took the plunge and went to England, joining Richard Hannon's yard.
"It was a big decision at 16 to move to England but Richard Hannon offered me the opportunity of a lifetime and be an apprentice," he added.
"If you look at the successful jockeys he's had - Ryan Moore, Tom Marquand and Hollie Doyle - globally renowned jockeys.
"Going to Richard set me off on the journey I'm on today.
"This last year when I got my first Group 1 winner on Shaquille (July Cup) has been incredible. Then Bluestocking came along; I didn't think things would move as fast. Outside of the big winners we're having a great year numerically as well. I have a great team around me that make things happen."
Ryan also paid tribute to his father in helping to shape his career so far.
"My father has been a massive, massive influence on my career. He's always been at the end of a phone when things aren't going right and when things are going well he keeps me level.
"He's not afraid to speak the truth to me whether I give it a good or bad ride. He's as much a mentor to me as a brilliant father. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today without him."
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