The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2024: A glorious Sunday at Longchamp
As the racing world gears up for the Qatar 2024 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe this Sunday, excitement is building for what is claimed to be the most prestigious events on the horse racing calendar. Taking place at the historic Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, the “Arc” is Europe’s richest race where legends are made. From record-breaking trainers to fearless jockeys, it’s an event that draws the crème de la crème of the racing world.
With tickets from just €10 to secure your entry, you too can experience the Arc’s magic, rub elbows with the well-heeled, and maybe even sip champagne with a winning jockey—if you’re lucky. But don’t worry, if champagne isn’t your thing, they offer a pretty spectacular Bistro Triomphe lunch, and for the diehards, exclusive hospitality packages.
The Longchamp course: A test for champions
Set on the western edge of Paris, the Longchamp Racecourse has been the stage for the Arc since its inception in 1920, with an exception in 2016-17 when it was held at Chantilly Racecourse. The course, at 2,400 metres (about 1.5 miles), known for its sweeping turns and undulating terrain, is a demanding challenge that requires a perfect blend of speed, stamina, and tactical nous from both horse and rider.
It’s no surprise that the course has a history of producing some of the sport’s finest moments. But this isn’t a straightforward sprint—it’s a tactical battle, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye.
Trainer and jockey success: Who to watch
Two names stand tall among trainers: André Fabre and John Gosden, who know how to prepare a horse for the unique challenge of Longchamp. Frankie Dettori, who has ridden his way into Arc history with six career victories, is one of the most recognisable figures in racing.
However, it’s time for the Arc to embrace another legend, Japanese jockey Yutaka Take, 55, who will ride Al Riffa, currently 10/1 in Sunday’s race. Take has never won the Arc, despite him earning estimated career earnings of ￡700 million.
The deadline for submitting final declarations for the field is Friday, October 4th. A record number of broadcasters will beam the race worldwide, trebling the global audience over three years.
French flair and a global gathering
Historically, French horses have dominated the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with ten victories in the past two decades. That said, horses from across the English Channel have made their mark, with Great Britain boasting five winners, while Ireland has three.
This year, though, there’s some serious competition. Sosie, the current favourite, stands at a tidy 4/1 following his defeat of Jockey Club winner Look De Vega. Japan’s Shin Emperor is coming up fast at 6/1, fresh off a third-place finish in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes.
Meanwhile, for those looking to land a cheeky each-way bet, Sunway at 40/1 might just sneak into the top three. Continuous, a former St Leger winner, also offers some mid-range appeal at 16/1. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from past Arcs, it’s that anything can happen—ask anyone who backed 2012’s winner, Solemia, who started with odds of 41/1.
If you really want to go all out, indulge in one of Longchamp’s exclusive hospitality packages. For €299, the Winning Post Stand Gold offers a two-day pass to all the action, while for a mere €110, the Bistro Triomphe Lunch gets you a spot in the Winning Post Enclosure with a mouth-watering meal thrown in. Want the full VIP treatment? For €239, the Brasserie ParisLongchamp Package offers valet service, VIP parking, lunch at the Brasserie, and prime access to the weigh-room.
The Yorkshire Oaks: A influential prep race
The Yorkshire Oaks is a critical stepping stone for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in recent years. Horses that perform well there often usually make an impact at Longchamp. Run over a similar distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs, the Yorkshire Oaks takes place six weeks before the Arc.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe:Fascinating history and famous winners
First run in 1920, the Arc has a storied history, with past winners including the legendary Sea the Stars, Zarkava, and Enable, the latter of whom won back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. As for odd stories, few can forget Urban Sea in 1993, who defied expectations and later became one of the most influential broodmares of all time, with offspring like Galileo and Sea the Stars.
As Paris dusts off the last remnants of Olympic fever, it’s ready to welcome the world once again—this time for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just there for the fashion and fizz, Sunday’s Arc is bound to deliver thrills, spills, and maybe even a surprise or two.
