Rossa Ryan pays heartfelt tribute to his father after Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe win: "I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today without him"

Rossa Ryan paid tribute to his father after partnering Bluestocking to victory in Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

The 24-year-old Galway jockey guided the filly, a 5/1 chance in Europe's richest race, to success after owner-breeders Juddmonte supplemented her for the Paris spectacular in the wake of her triumph over course and distance in the Prix Vermeille.

She enjoyed a trouble-free passage in the slipstream of Los Angeles under Ryan before holding off the advancing Aventure to land a record seventh Arc for the late Khalid Abdullah’s decorated racing operation.

READ MORE:Rossa Ryan's family life, age, Amo Racing split and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe admission

READ MORE:Galway jockey scoops Europe's biggest race as Bluestocking triumphs at Longchamp

Speaking to RTE, Ryan hailed the impact his father and trainer David has had on his career, saying: "My father has been a massive, massive influence on my career. He's always been at the end of a phone when things aren't going right and when things are going well he keeps me level.

"He's not afraid to speak the truth to me whether I give it a good or bad ride. He's as much a mentor to me as a brilliant father. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today without him."

Ryan also told how Bluestocking has changed his life, explaining: "A horse can really change your life and she has mine. It's all down to her trainer and the team at home. They've made my dreams come true. To do it on a global stage is what it's all about.

“She has fulfilled what I possibly thought she could do and all credit to the two men sitting next to me. I’m just the lucky one to be on her, but there are a lot more people who have done a lot more work than me with her.”

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