Arc off the agenda for Crystal Ocean

Connections have confirmed Crystal Ocean will not be contesting the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained four-year-old was expected to head to Paris for the showpiece event, but owner Sir Evelyn De Rothschild has opted not to pay the 120,000 euros required to supplement Crystal Ocean.

He will instead be aimed at the QIPCO Champion Stakes later this month.

“He is in the Champion Stakes and that’s where he’ll go,” said Stoute, as reported by The Mirror. “He won’t be going to Longchamp.”

The Champion Stakes takes place at Ascot on October 20 and Crystal Ocean could potentially come up against the likes of Cracksman and Enable as both hold entries in the race, while Roaring Lion is currently rated as the favourite.