It has been 30 years since he first competed with White Muzzle in 1994. Yutaka Take, a legend of the Japanese horse racing world, will ride Irish-bred horse Al Riffa in the great race. Take says it is not a "dream" but a "goal" for him. If he wins, he will be the first Japanese jockey to achieve the feat. Will he be able to open the heavy door on his 11th attempt? We caught up with the jockey before the European showpiece.

Interviewer - Al Riffa and you will be competing in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. What is your impression of his performance so far?

Yutaka Take - "He was very good in his last two races. He came very close to City Of Troy in the Eclipse Stakes, and won the Berlin Grand Prix last time out. Especially the Berlin Grand Prix is a good prep for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe".

Interviewer - A week before the race, he traveled to Ireland and worked at the track.

Yutaka Take - "It was not strong prep-workout, it was light, but he was calm and easy to ride. I haven't noticed anything in his training. He seems to be in good physical condition and he looked good".

Interviewer - When did you hear about this plan from owner Matsushima?

Yutaka Take - "I think the Eclipse Stakes was held just before the Select Sale this year. I was told that there was talk of such a plan. I thought it would be a great story if it came to fruition. I thought it would be difficult to compete in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe this year after Do Deuce decided to concentrate on domestic races, but to get such a great offer... I am very grateful. I really feel the spirit for the race. I want to respond to it".

Interviewer - Your first attempt at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was in 1994 (White Muzzle = 6th).

Yutaka Take - "It has been 30 years since I rode him for the first time. I remember that time vividly. I remember being surrounded by local press that I couldn't meet the trainer (laughs). My desire to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has not changed, but I have 30 years of experience. I don't think I'll be confused. In the past, I think there were many Japanese officials who didn't know about the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe".

Interviewer - In addition to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, there are other overseas trips in store for him this fall.

Yutaka Take - "I'm also planning to go to the Breeders' Cup with Awesome Result (BC Distaff). I think she has a good chance as well because she is good at left-handed courses. Being able to ride in the biggest races in the world is the best motivation for me as a jockey. I am really looking forward to this fall. I want to be careful with injuries and suspensions from riding. Last year hurt me physically and mentally".

Interviewer - At 55. You still appear in great shape.

Yutaka Take - It's not often that I get this excited at my age.

Interviewer - What does the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe mean to jockey Yutaka Take?

Yutaka Take - "I used to think of it as a dream, but now I feel more comfortable calling it a goal. When you say 'dream' it sounds a bit far away. I didn't know much about the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe when I first participated. I didn't have a lot of experience in Europe. But it is completely different now. I don't think there are many jockeys in Europe who have ridden in it 10 times".

Interviewer - In Ireland, you also met Deep Impact's last crop, Auguste Rodin.

Yutaka Take - "Aidan O'Brien even called me into his stable. Auguste Rodin looked like Deep Impact. He was a lean, cool horse. I watched his training in the car and he was riding so hard that he could be used for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He moved very well. I heard from trainer that he might run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe if the weather was good, but so far it looks like rain".

Interviewer - Joseph O'Brien is Al Riffa's trainer. How well do you know him?

Yutaka Take - "I rode with him as a jockey, but I never thought I would ride his horse. His father, Aidan used to take him to the track as a kid. He was a good jockey, but he was big and heavy. But it's great that he's become a trainer and he's already getting results".

Interviewer - How do you feel about the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe?

Yutaka Take - "I am very excited about it, the same goes for Mr. Matsushima. I want to make our dream come true together. Mr. Matsushima is great because he is close to Coolmore. I heard that he bought Al Riffa without an agent, and he bought him through direct negotiations. I am grateful to have a person that supports me like that, and I really want to respond to that. I think I have a good chance and the time is right".