Christophe Ferland is preparing his talented filly, Aventure, for another shot at the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on October 1, 2023. After finishing a close second to Bluestocking in last year’s race, Ferland reflects on the emotional rollercoaster he experienced as he watched Aventure push for the lead.
Ferland described the moment, saying, “I was just a little bit in between emotions; scared and excited with the pressure of getting a result but when they passed the post and you know you’re second, it was just fantastic.” Watching Aventure close the gap, he felt a mix of hope and anxiety, believing she had one last burst of speed left in her. The Wertheimer family, Aventure’s owners, were quick to confirm their commitment to another season after last year’s performance.
This year, Aventure has shown remarkable improvement. She secured her first major victory in the Prix Vermeille at the same course, demonstrating her growth and strength. Ferland noted, “She’s more powerful now, she’s getting bigger, she’s got a great turn of foot, she can follow any pace – she’s a warrior!”
Ferland has seen many outstanding fillies throughout his career and believes that the best ones exhibit strong character. He acknowledged the challenges of preparing Aventure for the Arc following her performance in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, which had a significant gap before the Vermeille. “She had the normal preparation for a Group One,” he explained, “but we also had to think about the next target; you don’t want them to be too tired to prepare for the next race.”
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming race, Ferland shared what it would mean to add the Arc victory to his growing list of achievements. “It’s a dream in some ways to have a contender. We are close, but we still have to run. We came close last year, and we’ll try again.” He is realistic about the outcome, stating, “Maybe she’ll come fifth; we don’t know, but we’ll put everything together for her to put in another big performance.”
Winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe would be a significant milestone in Ferland’s career, adding to his already impressive credentials. His focus remains steadfast as he prepares Aventure for what promises to be a thrilling race this weekend.
