The highly-anticipated 2024 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend has kicked off with races at Saint Cloud Racecourse in Doha. The event, sponsored by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) since 2008, will continue its partnership with France Galop until 2027. The race, first run in 1920, is Europe’s most prestigious event, held annually on the first Sunday of October at the ParisLongchamp Racecourse. It attracts top thoroughbreds from around the world for two days of world-class racing.
After races at Saint Cloud, the action will move to ParisLongchamp, where the Gr 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with a total prize of €5m will be the main attraction. The weekend also features the Gr. 1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup with a total prize of €1m, the highest for an Arabian race in Europe. The event serves as an opportunity to promote the upcoming 2025 H H The Amir Sword Festival at Al Rayyan in February.
An Arabian horse auction was held in Paris, where horse owners and trainers from around the world, along with a QREC delegation, participated. Today, the focus will be on the Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy for three-year-old fillies and colts and geldings. The races, run over 2,000m, will showcase some of the best three-year-old purebred Arabian horses, with owners and trainers hoping for glory at ParisLongchamp.
In the Gr.1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches, 18 fillies will compete, including representatives from Al Shaqab Racing and other prominent owners. The race will see Qatari jockey Faleh Bughenaim partnering Hajmah for Al Shaqab Racing. The Gr1 PA Qatar Arabian Trophy des Poulains will feature nine colts and geldings, including entries from Al Shaqab Racing and other notable owners. Last year’s event saw a double win for Al Shaqab Racing.
With the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend underway, horse racing enthusiasts and media alike are eagerly following the races at ParisLongchamp. The event serves as a showcase of the finest thoroughbreds from around the world, competing for top honors and substantial prize money. The partnership between QREC and France Galop ensures the continuation of this prestigious event until 2027, highlighting Qatar’s commitment to the sport of horse racing on an international stage.
As the weekend unfolds, the focus will be on the thrilling contests at ParisLongchamp, culminating in the highly anticipated Gr 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with its record prize money. The event is not only a celebration of the sport but also an opportunity to promote upcoming races, such as the 2025 H H The Amir Sword Festival. With a rich history dating back to 1920, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe continues to captivate audiences with its world-class competition and spectacular showcase of equine talent.
