Eddery to ride Shaamit at Longchamp

Racing

Shaamit, the Derby winner, will be ridden by Pat Eddery in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp a week on Sunday.

The jockey has been booked by Shaamit's trainer, Willie Haggas, following news that Dushyantor, Eddery's mount when runner-up in the Derby and St Leger, will not be travelling to Longchamp.

Eddery has been on the Arc winner four times - with Detroit, Rainbow Quest, Dancing Brave and Trempolino.

"Pat has ridden Shaamit before, which is a big advantage,'' Haggas said. ``The colt is in very good form and Pat knows just what it takes to win an Arc."

Eddery was in the saddle when Shaamit finished third to Pentire in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July. Michael Hills, who was in the saddle at Epsom, was criticised after Shaamit was only fourth in the Irish Champion Stakes at the Curragh last Saturday. Hills will be on Pentire at Longchamp.

Kevin Prendergast, trainer of Oscar Schindler, is considering running the Irish St Leger winner in both the Arc and November's Melbourne Cup. He is discussing plans with colt's owner-breeder Oliver Lehane.