One of the most exciting races on the calendar, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, is set to take place on Sunday 6th October 2024 at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, and we’ll be following all the action at Tonybet! Often known as simply the ‘Arc’, this is a Group 1 flat horse race for some of the most exciting thoroughbreds aged three and above.
Not only is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe regarded as the world’s most prestigious all-aged horse race, but it is also the world’s seventh richest turf race. The prize pot? A cool €5m. It’s no surprise to see that the race is one of the best, if not the best, flat races on the planet.
The race may take place in the French capital, but it’s adored by millions of racing fans across the globe. Broadcast live to more than 50 countries, this is a racing spectacle not to be missed before the flat season comes to a close.
Last year, trainer Jean-Claude Rouget won the Arc with Ace Impact. The Irish-bred, French-trained four-year-old has won all six races competed in to date, and it’s no surprise to see why. With Frankel – the best racehorse to have ever lived – the horse’s grandsire, Ace Impact was favourite to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and justified his short price.
Racing Post’s French correspondent Scott Burton couldn’t hide his excitement after the race last year:
You only see a horse of this quality once every five or ten years. To win the Arc as a three-year-old with such acceleration and to remain unbeaten is extraordinary. His acceleration is explosive and very few horses are able to really stretch out like he does.
However, the star isn’t set to race this year and there will be a new name on the trophy. With Ace Impact having retired to stud, trainers will be desperate to win one of the most respected races in the racing world.
The history behind the legendary race
The race was named after a monument that symbolises France’s military victories, and it first began back in 1920. Created to show top thoroughbreds, the inaugural race was won by a horse named Comrade, and the prize was 150,000 francs, which was a significant amount at the time.
When the race was first created, the Arc was purely a French-focused event, restricted to horses bred and trained in France. However, all that changed in 1930 when the race opened its doors to international competition, inviting the best horses from around the world.
This move massively boosted the race’s prestige, making it the global event that the French wanted it to become. It took six years for the first foreign horse to win the race, as English contender Corrida won in 1936 – and followed up the following year.
As the race has progressed, it has seen horses entered from the UK, Ireland, Germany and Japan, bringing the world’s best jockeys and trainers to Paris.
Sadly, World War II briefly paused the Arc, with the race not being run in 1939. From 1940 to 1944, the race continued but under diminished conditions due to the German occupation. After the war was over, thankfully the Arc quickly reclaimed its place as Europe’s premier flat race, with its importance only growing in the years that followed.
Today, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the richest race in Europe, coming a long way from its humble beginnings. The race takes place over one mile and four furlongs (2,400 metres), and is known for its fierce competition and high level of international participation.
The Arc has produced some legendary winners over the years, including Sea the Stars – regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time – in 2009, and Enable, who won twice in 2017 and 2018 and narrowly missed a historic third win in 2019.
Every year, the atmosphere is even more electric than the last, with the entire day devoted to celebrating horse racing. In recent years, the Arc has expanded into a full festival, with ‘Arc Weekend’ becoming a two-day event featuring top-tier racing to help draw in a bigger crowd.
One nation still hoping to land the prestigious prize is Japan. Despite several close calls, Japanese horses have yet to win the race, and the dream of securing an Arc victory has captured the hearts of racing fans from Japan, a nation extremely passionate when it comes to the sport.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe stands as a global racing institution, rich in both history and tradition. Whether you’re new to horse racing or a lifelong fan, the Arc offers an exciting and thrilling mix of top-class competition, international flair and an unforgettable spectacle on the world stage. Once again, do not miss this race on Sunday.
Longchamp Racecourse
Longchamp Racecourse is one of the most iconic horse racing venues in France, located in the beautiful Bois de Boulogne in Paris. With its stunning views of the River Seine, it’s one of the more picturesque courses in the world to enjoy top-class racing.
Having first opened its doors back in 1857, Longchamp has gone on to host countless legendary races, and there’s no better home for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. However, it’s not just the Arc that should capture your attention, as more than half of France’s Group 1 races are staged at this fantastic racecourse.
In 2018, the racecourse went through a major renovation, which gave it a modern, sleek look while keeping its rich history intact. The new grandstands offer spectacular views, ensuring that every racegoer has a prime spot to watch the action.
The iconic racecourse is known for its electric atmosphere, with a mix of high fashion, world-class thoroughbreds and enthusiastic fans.
The 2024 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The 2024 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe looks set to be as special as ever, and although there are a few noticeable absences, there are still a dozen Group 1 horses looking to lift the trophy.
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien will be without City Of Troy, who has a hat-trick of major wins to his name in 2024, including the Epsom Derby.
O’Brien has five entries at present, but the reported very soft ground may rule out Auguste Rodin.
His best shot according to the market is Los Angeles at 15/2, who won the Irish Derby and Great Voltigeur Stakes and will clearly relish the distance. Ryan Moore is likely to take the ride, which is another plus and makes him a serious contender.
Al Riffa, Continuous and Opera Singer are his others named in the race, and currently at double-digit prices, they would surely raise a few eyebrows if they were to win the prize.
Yet all eyes are on those at the top of the market, where you’ll find two French horses looking to win in their own backyard. André Fabre’s Sosie is your 2024 favourite, having smartly won the Prix Niel last month, seeing off a handful of Arc contenders in the process. The three-year-old is three from three at Longchamp and his form speaks for itself.
However, market rival Look De Vega shouldn’t be counted out. Although Sosie got the better of Look De Vega in the Priv Niel, the favourite that day was returning from 105 days away from the track. Now having blown away a few cobwebs, the previous Arc favourite may be ready to reverse that result.
Japan’s hopes rest on Shin Emperor, who has the responsibility to secure the country’s long-awaited first win in the Arc. And Shin Emperor could be the very horse to do exactly that. The horse has shown eye-catching form in the build-up to this race, with the Arc being the ultimate target. A first Japanese victory would write its own headlines and be a wonderful moment for Japanese racing fans.
This race has thrown up a few surprises over the years, and with the reported very soft ground, you never quite know what will happen, which makes this race even more special.
All contenders: Sosie, Look De Vega, Shin Emperor, Los Angeles, Delius, Al Riffa, Bluestocking, Aventure, Mqse De Sevigne, Auguste Rodin, Continuous, Fantastic Moon, Opera Singer, Sparkling Plenty, Sevenna’s Knight, Survie, Zarakem, Haya Zark, Luxembourg, Sunway.
Are you looking to place a bet on the Arc? If so, look no further than Tonybet, which offers a wide range of bets for not only the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe but also for the entire ‘Arc weekend’ to help you get the best value. Always gamble responsibly.
Bet on the horse racing with Tonybet!
