‘Strong’ Buick gets nod for Germany’s Ivanhowe in eagerly-anticipated Arc

Trainer Jean-Pierre Carvalho and owners Gestut Schlenderhan had been considering their options for some time, and have now swooped for the star British rider.

Germany’s big hope is a significant player in Europe’s premier race after he defeated the previously unbeaten Sea The Moon by three lengths in the Group One Grosser Preis von Baden on September 7.

Carvalho said: “I’m very happy to get William Buick. He’s a very good jockey. He’s very strong.

“I know William and I know his father (Walter), who rode in Germany before.”

Meanwhile, Britain is likely to have three Arc contenders after owner John Deer confirmed that Al Kazeem is likely to line up in Europe’s premier Flat race in opposition to John Gosden’s Oaks heroine Taghrooda and the Ladbrokes 
St Leger winner Kingston Hill.

Al Kazeem, a three-times Group One winner last season, was brought back into training with Roger Charlton earlier this year following an unsuccessful stint at the Royal stud in Sandringham.

Following a pleasing comeback at Newbury and a return to winning ways in the Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor, Al Kazeem came up short when fifth in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, but Deer is keen to see how he fares back over a mile-and-a-half.

“I’m pretty sure he’s going to go to France,” said Deer.

“He seems to be in good form and is going nicely on the gallops and we’re keen to give it a go.

“I’m not sure what the ground is going to be like, possibly good to firm.”

Al Kazeem was a creditable sixth in last year’s Arc and will once again be ridden by his regular jockey James Doyle.

Last year’s Arc heroine Treve heads the 20-strong field along with the Japanese trio of Gold Ship, Just A Way and Harp Star. Aidan O’Brien has left in Chicquita and Ruler Of The World.