Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Readies for Paris Spectacle

Paris is set to welcome one of the world’s premier horse racing events, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, taking place from October 2 to 5 at the historic Longchamp Racecourse. This prestigious meeting, backed by Qatar through the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), marks a significant moment in the international horse racing calendar. The partnership between QREC and France Galop has been ongoing since 2008 and is set to continue until 2027.

This year’s event will prominently feature Visit Qatar, which will host a dedicated pavilion showcasing various promotional activities aimed at highlighting Qatar’s rich culture and heritage. Under the leadership of Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, QREC is diligently finalising arrangements in collaboration with France Galop, ensuring the event draws considerable media attention and a high-profile audience.

Event Highlights and Schedule

The festivities kick off on Thursday with the Arqana Purebred Arabian Sale at Saint-Cloud Racecourse, where numerous owners, trainers, and breeders are expected to attend. This sale features a select group of horses, with expectations for robust sales this year.

Friday will see Saint-Cloud host a day of racing, highlighted by two Group 1 contests dedicated to three-year-old Purebred Arabians: one for fillies and another for colts. The Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches for fillies currently lists 17 entries, featuring notable contenders such as Karama Del Roc from Wathnan Racing and horses from Al Shaqab Racing.

Meanwhile, the colts will compete in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains, which has nine entries, including Khaddah and Sab’aan Al Shahania, both representing esteemed racing stables.

The main events unfold on Saturday and Sunday at ParisLongchamp, with Saturday featuring nine races, including three Group 1 and three Group 2 contests. The Group 1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu boasts an impressive 47 entries, while the Qatar Prix du Cadran lists 19 entries. The Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments includes 14 fillies, with nine competing under Qatari ownership.

Sunday will culminate in the highlight of the weekend, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. This race, with total prize money of €5 million—the highest for a Group 1 flat race in the European season—will see 80 horses vying for victory. Notable entries include Map Of Stars, Dare To Dream, and Doha, all representing leading racing teams.

Qatar Arabian World Cup and Future Perspectives

One of the standout races on the final day is the Qatar Arabian World Cup, which features a total prize purse of €1 million. This Group 1 PA contest serves as the second leg of the Doha Triple Crown, which aims to promote Arabian horse racing globally. The significance of this race is amplified by its ability to showcase world-class Arabian racing at ParisLongchamp while also enhancing the profile of the upcoming H H The Amir Sword Festival scheduled for February at Al Rayyan Racecourse.

Last year’s winner, Al Ghadeer, representing Al Shaqab Racing and trained by François Rohaut, aims to secure a third consecutive victory this year, a challenging feat with 13 horses entered in the race.

As excitement builds for this year’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the event not only highlights the enduring partnership between Qatar and France but also reinforces the cultural significance of horse racing in Qatar’s international sporting landscape.