4–5 October, Hippodrome de Longchamp, Paris, France
Jan Green is your guide to this great racing event
Where will you be on the first Sunday in October? Longchamp racecourse in Paris for the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe features high on both the social and racing calendar and provides the perfect excuse – but surely you don’t need one – to spend a couple of days in the ‘City of Light’ as the trees begin to reveal their autumn colours on the broad avenues and romantic squares that spread throughout Paris.
The Racing
The world-famous Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe was introduced to the racing calendar back in 1920 and was named as a tribute to the great monument celebrating the Allies’ victory in the Great War. It has grown to become France’s most important race and now offers four million euros in prizemoney with the advent of a new five-year partnership between the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club and France Galop – this makes it the world’s most valuable turf race.
The winners! They read like a role call of champions from the unbeaten Ribot who pulverized the field by six-lengths in heavy ground back in 1956, to the great Sea Bird II, another six-length winner in 1965. Mill Reef was victorious in 1971 and Dancing Brave sluiced through the field in 1986. More recent and just as memorable successes are those of Peintre Celebre who galloped five lengths clear of Pilsudski in 1997, the mighty Montjeu in 1999, Sindar in 2000 and Hurricane Run in 2005.
Packed stands fringe the long run-in of the horseshoe-shaped course at Longchamp to cheer home the cream of thoroughbreds. Perhaps there was an exception in 2006 when the Japanese supporters of Deep Impact travelled to Europe in their thousands to support their entry. Such was the reputation of Deep Impact that long queues of Japanese race goers could be seen on the course waiting to back their hero horse. Estimates were that four million yen was riding on the Japanese horse that went to post at an unprecedented 1-2 odds-on favourite, a prohibitive starting price in a race of this nature. Despite taking up the running Deep Impact tired and the Japanese contingent were stunned when Rail Link and Pride overthrew their racing certainty, relegating him to third place.
And the drama never fails to captivate. Last year the drive of Kieren Fallon aboard Dylan Thomas prevailed to take the honours and tick another box on the CV of the all-conquering trainer Aidan O’Brien. Be there to savor the delights and atmosphere of created by the rivalry between the cross-channel contingents supporting their equine heroes.
Fashion Notes
With general admission at just 8 euros it’s an event for all, but remember, fashion is a pre-requisite for Longchamp. Early October may be warm with a delightful late summer feel and a last opportunity to show off tanned limbs; a cooler day creates the occasion when an early autumn textured piece makes a first appearance, the choice is yours! Shopping opportunities for a new outfit abound in Paris from individual boutiques to the landmark Galeries Lafayette store, founded in 1893 – one for the short list!
When you have completed your assemblage, Longchamp racecourse has an elevated walkway running along one side of the paddock, perfect for promenading between the races to model your own outfit, check out other trends, indulge in people spotting and be part of a great sporting occasion.
Make it a Mini-Break
Take time out from racing to catch a Batobus (boat bus) that will transport you to the heart of Paris. A two-day pass is 14 euros and the boats traverse the River Seine between 10.00am and 7.00pm in October at regular intervals. The Batobus will drop you at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame and the Champs Elysees, when you are ready to move on to experience the next delight hop on the next Batobus and view Paris from the river.
Throughout October the Montmartre Harvest Festival is held to celebrate the arrival of the local Clos Montmartre wine. Events include a parade, appropriately dedicated to Bacchus, the god of wine. Taste and enjoy the real flavour of being in the heart of the enchanting city that is Paris.
The Competition
2008 looks to be another superb race with Irish representation incorporating the Epsom Derby winner New Approach and the Irish Derby winner Frozen Fire. They are looking to take on the four-year-old Duke of Marmalade who has already run up a sequence of five group one wins this season showing terrific speed and resolution in his races. Youmzain and Papal Bull are set to head the UK contingent.
The French will be represented by Zarkava who is the ante post favourite with most of the leading bookmakers. Zarkava has won the two French fillies classics this summer and will complete her final preparation in the Prix Vermeille on the Arcs trial day in mid September. She looks the part – will you?
