Dylan Browne McMonagle wins opener at Longchamp on Prix de L'Arc weekend

Donegal jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle won the opening race at Longchamp on Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe weekend.

Browne McMonagle took Tennessee Stud to victory in the Group 2 Prix Chaudenay for Joseph O’Brien.

The 11/10 favourite won by a neck from another O’Brien mount, the 71/10 Emit, under the direction of Stephane Pastier.

“He travelled round well and quickened better than I expected to on the conditions and left me clear with a target on my back but he was tough until the line,” Browne McMonagle said. 

“He's a top-class horse over that trip. The ground is proper soft and a bit slower in places. It's breezy as well so the conditions are tough."

On Sunday, the Letterkenny man - who is leading the way in the race to be crowned champion flat jockey in Ireland - will saddle White Birch in the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe, which is one of the most prestigious races in the sport. 

Browne McMonagle will take the John Murphy-trained White Birch to starter’s orders.

“It’s a massive weekend,” Browne McMonagle said ahead of tackling one of the world’s leading races on the high-calibre grey. “To get a ride in the Arc is huge.

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“If he gets a clean run, and I’m sure he will run well, his form matches the best of them.

“You never know, if he bounces back to his best, he can show a good affair.”