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RICHARD HILLS is to replace Richard Hughes on Youmzain in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday week after owner Jaber Abdullah decided to change riders on the Mick Channon-trained five-year-old, who was narrowly beaten in the 2007 running of Europe's most prestigious all-aged race.
The move ends an 11-race partnership between Youmzain and Hughes that began with a win in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York two years ago.
Youmzain was yesterday 12-1 co-fifth favourite for the race with Derby winner New Approach, who, it emerged last night, will be targeted at the Champion Stakes instead.
The choice of Hills, a close friend of Abdullah's but who rarely rides for him, will be seen as a big surprise by many.
Last night, Abdullah's racing manager Bruce Raymond stressed there had been no fallout between the owner and Hughes. Raymond said: “Jaber Abdullah has decided Richard Hills will ride Youmzain in the Arc, because he feels the horse could benefit from a change of jockey.
“He knows Richard Hills from Dubai and greatly respects him as a rider. He has admired the way Richard Hughes has ridden Youmzain and, as far as I know, there is no fallout between them. Richard Hills rode the horse in a private gallopat Newbury this morning.”
Hills, first jockey to Hamdan Al Maktoum, said yesterday: “Mr Abdullah approached me ten days ago and said he wanted a change of jockey on Youmzain and I was delighted to accept his offer.
“I've ridden for the Maktoum family for many years and know their circle quite closely, including Mr Abdullah, who I've ridden for on occasions both in Dubai and over here.
“I was delighted with the feel Youmzain gave me this morning. It was a nice bit of work and he quickened up nicely at the end. I'm really looking forward to riding him in the Arc.”
Hughes took the news of Hills's booking for Youmzain on the chin and wished his weighing-room colleague “the best luck in the world” in the Qatar-sponsored race.
He added: “I think Jaber spoke to Hamdan and between them they decided to use Richard.”
Of his excellent record on Youmzain, Hughes added: “I won a Group 1 on him two rides ago and his second to Dylan Thomas in the Arc last year was the best run of his life.
“I'm disappointed at losing the ride.:tttt: If the ground is on the soft side at Longchamp, Youmzain must have a great chance. But, having said that, I wish Richard the best luck in the world.”
Youmzain covered a mile and a quarter in his gallop, goingleft-handed into the home straight with two stablemates. Led by his regular lead horse Meeriss and Eddie Dowling, he quickened up to win by a length and looks in good form.
Youmzain has not raced since he finished third, beaten nine and a half lengths, behind Duke Of Marmalade in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot at the end of July.
He has been in regular action following Meeriss on the gallops, but Channon, making progress in his recovery from his recent car accident, felt thehorse needed a change of scenery with his Arc mission just two weeks away.
Before his head defeat by Dylan Thomas in last year's Arc, Youmzain had the benefit of an outing in Germany, finishing fourth in Group 1 company.
That run came after he had finished second to Dylan Thomas in the King George.
Raymond, who watched Youmzain do his latest piece of routine work at West Ilsley last Friday, said: “He's in great shape and looks to be blooming.
“He's quite an active horse who never impresses in his work, but recently he's been doing more, and when I spoke to Mick in his office he told me the horse is bursting for a run.”
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