The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. It is open to three-year-olds and upwards over a mile and a half and takes place on the first Sunday in October. The race
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. It is open to three-year-olds and upwards over a mile and a half and takes place on the first Sunday in October.
The race is usually staged at Longchamp but was run at Chantilly in 2016 while Longchamp underwent a complete refurbishment. In 2019 the race returns to Longchamp racecourse.
The Arc is currently the world’s richest turf race and third-richest horse race. Only the Pegasus World Cup and the Dubai World Cup carry greater prize money. The Arc is the highlight of the weekend which features nine Group 1 races over various distances.
Chantilly staged the Arc for the first time ever in 2016 and that has now been extended to 2017. The spectacular course provides racegoers with stunning views of Grandes Écuries and the Princes de Condé’s château.
This year’s Arc will be run on 1st October at Chantilly which has a capacity of 40,000 spectators. Chantilly Racecourse is in Oise, France, about 30 miles north of Paris.
Chantilly is located in the country’s main horse training area on 65 hectares, populated by over 100 trainers next to the Chantilly Forest. The training centre is managed by France Galop and more than 2,500 racehorses are exercised on the centre’s 2,000 hectares of gallops.
The racecourse was constructed adjacent to the existing Great Stables built in 1719 by estate owner, Louis Henri de Bourbon, Prince de Condé. They were designed by the architect Jean Aubert with the 186-meter-long stable widely regarded as the most beautiful in the world.
The first race at Chantilly was held in May 1834 and the existing grandstand was designed by Honoré Daumet in 1879. In 1982, the Living Museum of the Horse was created as part of the stables which was opened to the public. In July 2006, the museum was acquired by the Foundation for the Safe-keeping and Development of the Chantilly Domain, presided over by His Highness the Aga Khan.
During the first week of June, Chantilly hosts the Prix du Jockey Club, the third of the French racing season’s five Classic Races. It is also referred to as the French Derby, although the distance is now ten furlongs instead of the traditional twelve.
Tickets sell well in advance for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe! Don’t delay – reserve your Chantilly tickets today!
The 2017 Arc meeting took place at Chantilly on Saturday 30th and Sunday 1st October. The race has reverted to its traditional home of Longchamp in 2018 so Chantilly put on quite a show!
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe always attracts the top thoroughbreds from France, Great Britain and Ireland. Japan will continue its quest for an Arc winner having gone close with Deep Impact (third in 2006) and Orfevre (second in 2012). There could also be representatives from Italy, Germany and across Europe.
The Irish Champion Stakes is often a good guide for the Arc. Golden Horn won in Ireland before winning the Arc and Found finished second to Almanzor last season. The runner-up was retired after the Breeders’ Cup in November but Almanzor stays in training as a four-year-old.
Reserve your tickets now for one of the highlights of the European racing year!
The town of Chantilly, in the Picardy region of France 50km north of Paris, is known for its art and history. There are numerous sites and places of interest to visit in Chantilly, notably the famous Château de Chantilly.
One of the jewels of French heritage and will inevitably be the first port of call for most visitors to the region.
The Castle has two sections. The original 16th century part was built for the Montmorency family and called the Petit Château.
The 19th century addition is called the Château Neuf, built on the site of a part of the original castle which had been destroyed. There is a tremendous amount to see both outside and inside the castle so allow plenty of time for your visit!
In the Petit Château, it has been beautifully maintained to appear just as it did in the 18th and 19th centuries. In the Château Neuf you can enjoy libraries, art galleries and a chapel. The salons and apartments in the main castle are beautifully furnished with chairs, tapestries and candelabras from the 18th century.
Within the castle you can visit the Condé Museum which houses a fine collection of paintings including works by Delacroix and Corot. Around the outside of the castle there are formally laid out gardens and extensive parkland to explore, including extravagant water features.
The 17th Century Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption is also a “must see” for tourists. The church has a grand entrance and is home to some beautiful artworks and decorative elements.
The Living Horse Museum at the Cour des Remises des Grandes Ecuries is perfect for Arc weekend. It reflects on the relationship between man and horse since the beginning of civilizations. Around 200 objects and works of art are currently on show.
Book your trip to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and see everything that Chantilly has to offer!
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The Dolce Chantilly is just 40 minutes from Paris and only 25 minutes from the Charles de Gaulle International Airport.
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The Dolce provides the perfect blend of luxury accommodation and exceptional conference facilities. The hotel’s guest rooms and suites include a range of modern amenities complemented by enchanting views of the French countryside.
The Hôtel Le Chantilly is a 3-star hotel which is easily accessible from the A1 motorway. It is only a 5-minute walk from Chantilly town centre and 3km from the Chateau and Horse Museum.
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The SNCF railway station is just 2 km from the hotel. The rural setting provides the perfect opportunity for beautiful walks and cycling tours. The hotel offers top quality amenities and services including free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The hotel also offers free secure parking.
The Best Western Hôtel du Parc is a unique 4-star property in the centre of Chantilly. It provides easy access to the famous Castle, the racecourse, train station and shops. The hotel has 57 rooms, all recently renovated to the highest standards.
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The charming hotel has beautifully maintained private grounds in which to relax after enjoying a hearty breakfast. The Best Western is a popular choice for holidaymakers visiting the races, musical and theatrical events or the Castle and Chantilly’s top attractions.
Book your stay for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting now to avoid disappointment!
Chantilly provides plenty of dining choices in the Arc Village, situated on the racecourse’s central lawn. It has 5,000m2 of outside space and 4,500m² of covered areas to cover all eventualities with the weather.
Tucked away beneath the vaulted stone ceiling at Château de Chantilly kitchens. You can dine amongst the grandeur and historical setting on traditional local fare.
At 44 Rue du Connétable serves simple cuisine with fine fresh produce. It prides itself on the quality of fruits and vegetables cultivated in a natural way in the Potager of the Princes.
Old-style and elegant, Le Vertugadin provides classic regional cuisine with meat, game and terrines. If you really want to sample French cuisine, menu options include terrine of foie gras and pan-fried chanterelles with snails!
In the heart of Chantilly within easy reach of the racecourse. Specialist menus include hare foie gras with orange parsnip puree.
At 78 Rue du Connetable is a fabulous deli, ideal for picking up ingredients for a picnic! Charcuterie, smoked and marinated fish, pre-made salads, preserves, cheeses, breads, beer, wine and much more available.
In Chantilly at 5 place, Omer Vallon features a terrace on the pavement as well as alfresco dining in the cobbled courtyard. Dishes include salmon in beurre blanc sauce and entrecôte with garlicky potato dauphinoise.
Air passengers arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, have only a 30-minute drive via the A1 and D924A to Chantilly. Special shuttle services will be laid on for the Arc meeting.
The Regional express train (TER) from Gare du Nord/Grandes Lignes station in Paris to Chantilly—Gouvieux station takes about 25 minutes and departs every half an hour.
There are special trains for the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe weekend as tickets vary from 7.80-12 euros 2 class and 13-22 euros first class.
Do you want to experience the area first hand? Hire a car with our search engine
If travelling by road, RN 16 (access via the A1 – Porte de la Chapelle – towards Saint Denis – exit 3 Pierrefite – N1 for 3km then RN16). If arriving via A1 motorway, exit 7 Survilliers or exit 8 Senlis-Chamant.
Book your travel arrangements for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly now!
In 1920 a new event was introduced to complement the Grand Prix de Paris. The race was named after the famous Arc de Triomphe monument, scene of the post-war victory parade by the Allies the previous year.
The inaugural running was worth 150,000 francs and was won by a three-year-old colt named Comrade.
The Arc did not take place in 1939 and 1940 due to World War II. Government funding of the race resumed in 1949 with National Lottery money boosting prize money.
Since 1982, the Arc has had several high profile sponsors including Trusthouse Forte, CIGA Hotels and Groupe Lucien Barrière.
The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club took over sponsorship in 2008, increasing the prize fund from €2 million to €4 million. The Arc is now worth €5,000,000 with the meeting expanding to Arc Weekend and including the Arabian World Cup, the world’s richest race for purebred Arabian horses.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the great social events on the French racing calendar. Winning the Arc is a prime objective for the top middle-distance horses.
Seven horses have won the race twice including Ribot (1955-56) and Alleged 1977-78). Treve (2013-2014) was the most recent horse to achieve two Arc victories but failed to complete a hat-trick when fourth to Golden Horn in 2015.
The roll of honour for the Arc de Triomphe is littered with star names of the turf. Sea Bird (1965), Mill Reef (1971) and Dancing Brave (1986) are among the greatest racehorses of all time.
Helissio (1996), Montjeu (1999), Dalakhani (2003), and Hurricane Run (2005) are more recent winners who have gone on to make their mark at stud.
Thierry Jarnet joined an elite group of jockeys to have won the Arc four times when successful on Treve in 2014. He joins Jacques Doyasbere, Freddy Head, Yves Saint-Martin, Pat Eddery, Olivier Peslier and Frankie Dettori.
André Fabre is the most successful trainer in the race with seven winners, most recently scoring with Rail Link in 2006. Marcel Boussac is the leading owner with six winners between 1936 and 1949.
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