Vadeni's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Run in Doubt

The Aga Khan's team and trainer Jean-Claude Rouget will take time to digest Vadeni 's third behind Luxembourg  and Onesto  at Leopardstown, but persistent doubts surrounding his stamina mean that the chances of a crack at the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) have receded.

Racing manager Georges Rimaud said he was extremely satisfied with the dual group 1 winner's effort at Leopardstown Sept. 10, especially as Christophe Soumillon was forced to switch Vadeni to the inner as options in front of him disappeared at the two-furlong pole.

"We were pleased with the way he ran," Rimaud said. "He didn't appear to be in love with the ground. The way the race panned out meant he had to launch his challenge up the inside where the ground was undoubtedly slower, having had to cross in behind the other runners.

"None of that helped but he ran well after quite a break between the Eclipse and the Irish Champion. As a team we will sit down and dissect the race but I think he ran very well."

Vadeni was sent off the 7-4 favorite to add the Irish Champion Stakes (G1) to his victories in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (G1) and the Coral-Eclipse Stakes (G1). 

While the Arc has not been totally discounted, Rimaud made it clear that other options, including the QIPCO Champion Stakes (G1) and the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T), might be higher in the pecking order of priorities for the son of Churchill , should he be turned out again this year.

"Nothing is ruled in and nothing is ruled out," Rimaud said. "We'll see how the horse comes out of the race and Jean-Claude never makes a quick assessment.

"There is the Champion Stakes and the Arc is not really under consideration now, given there has to be a doubt about his stamina. We'll throw all of that into the mix when making a decision.

"Everything is still possible but there is no set plan at the moment. There is Keeneland although there is the question of a mile and a half there as well."

Rimaud conceded that the tacky ground at Leopardstown might have played a factor on whether Vadeni truly saw out the 10 furlongs and felt it played a big factor in blunting his finishing speed.

He said: "You have to ask about his stamina given how fast he picked up when crossing in behind the others on Saturday and there was a moment when he was really traveling.

"But then he found himself up against the rail on the worst of the ground and he couldn't really pick up a second time."

Rimaud added: "You always prefer to win but we were very satisfied with his performance and he was beaten by two very good horses and will have run to a high rating.

"Perhaps on faster ground he could stay a little further, perhaps not."

Vadeni is a best-priced 6-1 for the Champion Stakes while quotes for the Arc range between 9-1 and 18-1.