Paris witnessed pure racing magic yesterday as HIPPODROME DE LONGCHAMP hosted the world’s richest turf race — The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe — alongside a top-class card that kept fans on their feet from 1:40pm to 6:35pm. The autumn sun over the French capital cast a golden glow on the turf as champions from across the globe battled for glory, prestige, and history. With nine thrilling races, the afternoon of October 5 was a showcase of power, pace, and pride — none more so than the 4th and 5th races, the crown jewels of the meeting, where emotions ran high and legends were made.
Race 1: QATAR PRIX MARCEL BOUSSAC – CRITERIUM DES POULICHES (1:40pm, 1600 metres)
The afternoon kicked off with a spirited display as DIAMOND NECKLACE edged ahead in 1.41.31. Jockey CHRISTOPHE SOUMILLON guided with composure, trainer AP. O’BRIEN had the prep in perfect shape, breeders ECURIE DES MONCEAUX and ECURIE SKYMARC FARM saw pedigree rewarded, and owners TABOR, SMITH, MAGNIER and WESTERBERG celebrated early. GREEN SPIRIT matched strides until late, while NARISSA stayed on bravely to take third.
Race 2: QATAR PRIX JEAN-LUC LAGARDERE (2:15pm, 1400 metres)
Race 2 unfolded in fine fashion, and PUERTO RICO carried a strong finish to claim it in 1.21.53. The ride by CHRISTOPHE SOUMILLON was decisive, the trainer AP. O’BRIEN showed planning, breeder APRIL SHOWERS SYNDICATE got gratification, and owner MME J. MAGNIER, M.TABOR and D.SMITH walked away proud. NIGHTTIME gave a bold chase, while RAYIF held on well for the frame.
Race 3: PRIX DE L’ABBAYE DE LONGCHAMP LONGINES (2:50pm, 1000 metres)
In the third contest, ASFOORA asserted itself with a sustained run to win in 0.56.39. The synergy between jockey OISIN MURPHY and trainer HENRY DWYER PTY LTD was evident, breeder as well as owner NOOR ELAINE FARM PTY LTD saw good return and added to their tally. JAWWAL fought on solidly, while SHE’S QUALITY kept pressure to take third.
Race 4: QATAR ARABIAN WORLD CUP (3:25pm, 2000 metres)
High stakes met high drama as AL GHADEER stamped class on the track in 2.13.81. With CHRISTOPHE SOUMILLON in the saddle and F. ROHAUT behind the preparation, this effort was nothing short of sensational. Owner AL SHAQAB RACING and breeder M. AL-NAJAFI have every reason to celebrate, as the winner outshone HM ALCHAHINE and RB MARY LYLAH in a performance worthy of the grand occasion. This was one of the feature events of the day worth €1,000,000
Race 5: QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE (4:05pm, 2400 metres)
The moment everyone waited for, the crown jewel of the day worth €5,000,000 — and it didn’t disappoint. DARYZ etched their name into history with a breathtaking run of 2.29.17, guided flawlessly by MICKAEL BARZALONA and trained masterfully by FH. GRAFFARD. Representing AGA KHAN STUDS SC and bred by the same, the champion delivered a performance that embodied heart, strength, and brilliance on the grandest stage. MINNIE HAUK chased gallantly, while SOSIE fought valiantly to hold on for a deserved place.
Race 6: PRIX DE L’OPERA LONGINES (4:50pm, 2000 metres)
As the afternoon matured, BARNAVARA delivered a polished win in 2. 5.52. Jockey SHANE FOLEY kept the tempo under control, trainer MME J. HARRINGTON’s conditioning came through, breeders A. MILOVANOV and V. TYMOSHENKO received reward, and owner ALPHA RACING was happy. SEE THE FIRE pushed inside the final furlong, and ONE LOOK stayed on for the frame.
Race 7: QATAR PRIX DE LA FORET (5:25pm, 1400 metres)
In the seventh race, MARANOA CHARLIE proved too strong, taking the contest in 1.20.80. The ride by AURELIEN LEMAITRE was sharp, trainer CHR. HEAD had prepared well, breeders HARAS D’ETREHAM, RIVIERA EQUINE S.A.R.L and GESTUT ZUR KUSTE AG benefited, and owner BOND THOROUGHBRED LTD rejoiced. ZARIGANA gave a gallant chase, and TEN BOB TONY kept on to grab third.
Race 8: QATAR GRAND HANDICAP DES FLYERS PRESENTE PAR RMC (6:00pm, 1400 metres)
The penultimate event brought another quality finish: BELLANO crossed in 1.21.69. Jockey MICKAEL BARZALONA judged the run nicely, trainer G. MOSSE was rewarded, breeder M. MOTSCHMANN saw results, and owner MR MICHAEL MOTSCHMANN enjoyed the win. PRINCE AUBOIS stayed close, while TORTISAMBERT ran on for the minor placing.
Race 9: QATAR PRIX DE LA PLACE DE L’ETOILE (6:35pm, 2000 metres)
The finale capped a dramatic day as JOHNNY HAMMER surged home in 2. 6.32. Jockey OLIVIER D’ ANDIGNE, under the spotlight, delivered the finishing touch; trainer A. COUETIL and owner MR CHRISTOPHER JOHN EDWARDS had reason to celebrate; breeders RM. VENN and CJ. EDWARDS added another success. BIG LOG made a brave run for second, while COLGAN SENORA stayed on for a solid third.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Day once again lived up to its reputation as Europe’s greatest racing spectacle, bringing together the world’s best horses, jockeys, and trainers for an unforgettable afternoon at Longchamp. The action now shifts toward France’s upcoming autumn meetings, but the echoes of Arc Day will resonate for a long time — a reminder of why this is the stage where dreams meet destiny.
Read more race reports and updates on RaceBuzz.
