All Eyes on Paris for Thrilling Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Finale

ParisLongchamp Racecourse is set to host the grand finale of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend on Sunday, with a nine-race card featuring some of the world’s most prestigious horse races. The event will draw dignitaries and VVIPs, including Prince Albert II of Monaco, who will present the trophy for the €5 million Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the richest race in the French racing calendar.

The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious events in global racing, is the highlight of a day that promises intense competition. Sunday’s program will also feature the Gr 1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup, offering a prize fund of €1 million, alongside other prominent Group 1 races.

Saturday’s races, which set the stage for the grand finale, saw thrilling performances. Notable among the winners was Illinois, a top-class colt who claimed the Gr 2 Prix Chaudenay, continuing his impressive form. Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, Illinois triumphed in the 3,000m race, holding off stiff competition to win by two lengths.

In another highlight, Are’ej, owned by YAS Horse Racing Management, claimed her first Gr 1 (PA) victory in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments. The Purebred Arabian filly, trained by Xavier Thomas-Demeault, delivered a strong performance under jockey Alexis Pouchain to secure the win by one length.

In the Gr 1 Qatar Prix du Cadran, Kyprios, a six-year-old colt, continued his stellar form, winning for the second consecutive time. The victory added to the remarkable record of this Irish-trained horse, who has now secured eight Group 1 victories in total.

Grateful, a three-year-old filly, also shone at ParisLongchamp, winning the Gr 1 Prix de Royallieu. Ridden by Christophe Soumillon and trained by Aidan O’Brien, Grateful delivered an exceptional performance, charging to victory after being patiently ridden at the rear.

Sunday’s lineup promises more high-stakes excitement, with seven Group 1 races on the card. Notable contests include the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère, Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp, and the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac.

In addition to the races, spectators can enjoy a variety of cultural events organized by Qatar’s Ministry of Culture, including a raffle offering a business-class trip to Qatar with five-star accommodation.

As the excitement builds, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe promises to be a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary weekend of world-class racing.