Joseph O’Brien insists Al Riffa can secure victory at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – as he aims add the jewel in the crown of his glittering career

Joseph O’Brien believes his already remarkable career would reach a new high if Al Riffa can successfully execute a long-term plan in Paris on Sunday.

O’Brien, the eldest son of perennial champion Aidan, was an excellent jockey who counted two Epsom Derbys among his string of major racing victories, but he has reached another level since becoming a trainer and has done things that have eclipsed even his father.

Two Melbourne Cups shine brightest on a CV that also shines with success at the Cheltenham Festival, the Breeders Cup and Royal Ascot (in total he has won 33 Group/Grade One races), but the thought of winning the Prix de l’Arc de Adding Triomphe, Europe’s premier middle distance race, has been on his mind for 18 months.

Quietly, almost under the radar, Al Riffa has been meticulously preparing for this weekend’s trip to Longchamp, his campaign which started with a trip to Paris in April to get a first impression of the course and, most recently, saw he won Germany’s most important competition, the Grosser Preis von Baden.

In between there was a run at Sandown when he shuffled O’Brien senior rather awkwardly, while Al Riffa threw down the gauntlet to City Of Troy in the Coral-Eclipse. Some thought his proximity to the wonder horse was a negative form line – time might tell this was the race of the season.

O’Brien admits he’s excited to be heading to the Arc with the chance to win ‘one of the biggest races in the world’

“That’s probably fair to say,” said O’Brien, speaking from the Goff’s sale, when asked if his horse had not received its due recognition. ‘He has won two Group Ones and completed numerous excellent races. To be honest, I can’t imagine him having a bad race.

“We appreciate him for everything he has done for us and we look forward to having him as a live participant. The Arc is one of the biggest races in the world and it is special just to have one runner in it. I’m very happy that I have a chance there.’

And he certainly has a chance. Although there are huge obstacles in the way, led by Andre Fabre – who has only trained the eight Arc winners – and his great hope Sosie; his father will most likely rely on Los Angeles and Continuous to see if he can plunder his third victory in the race.

But there is something about Al Riffa that always catches the eye. He came closer than any other horse to Ace Impact, last year’s stunning Arc hero who retired undefeated, and his professional demeanor, coupled with his work ethic, makes it easy to understand why the 31-year-old is so sweet about him talks.

“If we were lucky enough to win it, it would be right in line with everything I’ve done before,” O’Brien said. ‘We always thought he could be someone for the Arc, even last season we thought he had the potential to be in the race. It’s always been in the back of my mind for a while.

‘From the start of the season we have seen it as a good objective for the autumn. I was very proud of that performance in Baden-Baden and I always thought that with the extra distance he really looked better.

‘This race has always been a good preparation race for the Arc and we thought it was good for him to go there as a new horse. I vividly remember Dad winning for the first time with Dylan Thomas (in 2007). It would be very special if I won an Arc, but we’ll see.’

O’Brien revealed that the Arc win would rank ‘right up there’ compared to all his career achievements to date

It wouldn’t be in his nature to talk himself up, so it was best to leave this to his father, who also bought new shares on Tuesday.

“We are very proud of him and always hope he beats us,” O’Brien said. ‘He has a great chance and everything has gone well for him. He ran well against City Of Troy and you saw the improvement he made in Germany. It’s very exciting for them. It would be great if they won.’