Andrea Atzeni will make a sensational return to European racing next weekend after trainer Marco Botti revealed the Sardinian rider will partner Giavellotto in Sunday’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. 

Giavellotto impressed regular rider Oisin Murphy on the Limekilns round gallop in Newmarket on Saturday, but, with Murphy already committed to riding Prix Foy winner Byzantine Dream for Japan in the Longchamp Group 1, Botti has turned to an old ally in Atzeni.

The Classic-winning rider swapped Britain for Hong Kong two years ago and has established himself among the leading riders there, but the chance to compete in Europe’s premier all-age middle-distance race was an opportunity too good to turn down. 

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