Equestrian Events Flat racing
Rank 02
Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Europe's richest and most prestigious flat race, and the autumn decider for the best middle-distance horses in the world.
Why it is here
Daryz won again on 4 October 2026 and became the first colt to win the Arc twice since Alleged in 1977–78 (BBC Sport, 2026-10-04; Racing Post, 2026-10-04). The BBC calls it 'the richest Flat race in Europe', AFP 'Europe's most prestigious race' (France 24, 2026-10-04), and Racing Post 'Europe's richest race'. The 2025 running rated 123.75 and ranked 6th in the IFHA Top 100, and the Arc has been named the Longines World's Best Horse Race five times (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021) (IFHA, 2026-01-20). From 2027 the race is open to geldings (France Galop, 2026-09-04). Score drivers: prestige 9.7 from three independent titles calling it Europe's richest or most prestigious race; sporting level 9.5 from five World's Best Race titles and the 6th-place 2025 rating. Exclusivity, social and experience are not scored: no independent source this period describes the raceday experience in enough detail.
Who it is for
Owners, breeders and racing fans who want Europe's championship race for middle-distance horses, with an Arc weekend in Paris.
Sources
- Daryz claims rare back-to-back success in the ArcNinth dual winner; first colt to win twice since Alleged; 'the richest Flat race in Europe'; 16 runners.
- 2026 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe full resultDaryz 13-8 favourite beat Bay City Roller and Diamond Necklace; 'Europe's richest race'.
- Daryz wins second successive Prix de l'Arc de TriompheDescribes the Arc as 'Europe's most prestigious race'.
- Top 100 G1 Races of 2025 AnnouncedArc 6th in 2025 (123.75); Longines World's Best Horse Race in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021.
- European Pattern Committee approves opening the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to geldingsThe 2027 Arc is scheduled for Sunday 3 October at ParisLongchamp and will be the first open to geldings.
