White Birch heading back up in trip for Arc bid

The White Birch team are excited to tackle a mile and a half for the first time in over two years when they take aim at the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on October 5.

John Joseph Murphy’s five-year-old was an honourable fifth in the Irish Champion Stakes on his return from a summer break and having been seen to great effect over 10 furlongs in recent years, connections have decided now is the time to head back up in distance for the Group One scorer.

White Birch’s quest for glory in Europe’s richest middle-distance contest will be his first outing over 12 furlongs since his three-year-old days, during which he finished third in the Derby.

“We were quite happy with how he ran and the ground tightened up quite a bit on the day, but I think he gave a good account of himself having been off the track quite a while,” said George Murphy, who is assistant to his father.

“There’s no doubt it was beautiful, safe ground at Leopardstown, just probably not what he’s at his best on.

“We’ll aim to go for the Arc now and hopefully we’ll get some softer ground – all being well that is the plan.

“I think at this stage of his career going back up to a mile and a half will be no problem for him and we think it will suit.

“We’re looking forward to it and hoping we can get him there in one piece, he’s come out of Leopardstown well and fingers crossed we get to go to France.”