Qatar Prix de lArc de Triomphe Set to Shine on Global Stage in Paris

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Poised for Glory France’s capital, Paris, is once again preparing to host one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing spectacles — the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe — which will unfold from 2–5 October at the iconic ParisLongchamp Racecourse. Held annually, this unmissable racing weekend is sponsored by the State of Qatar, represented by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC), in collaboration with France Galop. Their long-standing partnership is set to continue until 2027, as they work together to elevate the status of this historic meeting that draws vast crowds and commands international attention. This year’s edition will witness a strong promotional push from Visit Qatar, which will operate a dynamic pavilion on-site. The activation aims to showcase Qatar as a leading family-tourism destination, known for luxury, service excellence, and multifaceted economic development. Visitors to the pavilion can expect an immersive cultural experience as Qatar leans into its growing global presence beyond sport. With the race date fast approaching, QREC, under the leadership of Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, is working closely with France Galop to finalize preparations for a weekend that transcends sport. According to the organizers, the Arc weekend “underscores the long-standing collaboration and joint efforts of QREC and France Galop to pursue further successes as the event strengthens its global stature.” Pursuing Excellence and Global Recognition With a clear focus on driving excellence, QREC is intent on maximizing the success of this year’s edition, aiming to highlight the shared benefit of Qatari sponsorship. Since Qatar signed on as strategic partner in 2008, its backing has elevated the event to unparalleled prestige, helping it earn the coveted title of Best Horse Race in the World five times. The enduring Qatari presence has amplified the event’s global resonance, particularly boosting international awareness of Arabian horse racing and adding further credibility to Qatar’s broader equestrian legacy. A Century of Heritage First inaugurated in 1920, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a proud pillar of French horse racing. Held at the picturesque ParisLongchamp Racecourse, only five kilometres from central Paris, the race continues to draw elite thoroughbreds and tens of thousands of spectators every year. Programme Overview Festivities begin on Thursday, 2 October, with the Arqana Purebred Arabian Sale at Saint-Cloud Racecourse, where top-tier owners, breeders, and trainers gather for an eagerly anticipated horse auction. Friday’s lineup, also at Saint-Cloud, will feature two Group 1 Purebred Arabian races: the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches (for fillies) and the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains (for colts). Each race showcases emerging Arabian talent and serves as a vital stepping stone on the global racing circuit. Among the 17 entries in the fillies’ race are names such as Karama Del Roc (Wathnan Racing), Amjaad, El Bnoud, Jouza, Subahiyah (all for Al Shaqab Racing), and Marakez Al Shahania (racing for HE Sheikha Reem bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani). Meanwhile, the colts’ race includes Khaddah (Wathnan Racing), Sab’aan Al Shahania (HE Sheikha Iman bint Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani), and Mektoub El Ahlem (Abdulghani Al Abdulghani). Qatari ownership has dominated these contests in recent years, with nine victories in the Poulains and twelve in the Pouliches. Final fields for both Friday races will be declared on Wednesday, 1 October. Saturation of Star Power Over the Weekend Saturday at ParisLongchamp will be stacked with nine competitive races, including three Group 1 and three Group 2 contests. The Group 1 Qatar Prix de Royallieu has a robust entry list of 47, while the Qatar Prix du Cadran includes 19 entries. The Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments, dedicated to fillies, sees 14 entries — nine owned by Qatar-based stables. Group 2 contests such as the Qatar Prix Chaudenay (37 entries), Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein (67 entries), and the Qatar Prix Dollar (68 entries) complete this action-packed day. Final declarations will be announced on Thursday, 2 October. The Grand Finale: Sunday at ParisLongchamp The climactic finale on Sunday, 5 October, will undoubtedly centre on the showpiece — the €5 million Group 1 flat race, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the richest race in Europe. With a staggering 80 entries, the field is expected to include Map Of Stars, Dare To Dream, Damysus, and Pearla (Wathnan Racing); Doha (Al Shaqab Racing); and Parachutiste (Qatar Racing Limited). Historically, Treve is the only Qatari-owned winner of the Arc, capturing the title for Al Shaqab Racing in 2013 and 2014. Last year’s reigning champion, Bluestocking, continues to set the bar for excellence, with this year’s hopefuls aiming to follow in those victorious hoofprints. Spotlight on Arabian Racing: Qatar Arabian World Cup Taking place right before the Arc is the prestigious Qatar Arabian World Cup, a Group 1 PA race offering €1 million in prize money. The contest is the second leg of the Doha Triple Crown, demonstrating Qatar’s commitment to promoting Arabian horse racing. It also acts as a major lead-in to the HH The Amir Sword Festival, scheduled for February in Doha. Top Arabian talent will be showcased, with entries like RB Mary Lylah (Wathnan Racing); Al Ghadeer, Al Zwair, Luwsail, and Al Wakrah (Al Shaqab Racing); and Moshrif (Khalifa bin Sheail Al Kuwari). Eyes will be particularly trained on Al Ghadeer, a two-time winner of the Cup, who is bidding to make history with a third consecutive victory — an unrivalled feat. The Momentum Continues Other key contests on Sunday include the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (83 entries), Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (79), and Qatar Prix de la Forêt (70 entries), each adding considerable depth to the programme and drawing global participation from elite owners and trainers. Final fields for most Sunday races will be confirmed by Friday, 3 October, while the lineup for the Arc itself will be revealed on Thursday, 2 October. Conclusion Now more than a century old, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe stands as a gleaming testament to equestrian tradition, magnified on the world stage thanks to Qatari sponsorship. The 2024 edition promises to exceed expectations — blending sporting excellence, cultural diplomacy, and tourism promotion — further cementing Qatar’s place in the pantheon of champions. — Team V.DIR-EM-UAE