Overview
The Arc de Triomphe Horse Race is an event held in Paris, France. The race is held annually on the first Sunday of October and is one of the most famous horse races in the world. It boasts a huge purse and has a reputation for being the premier event of the European flat racing season.
The race has been held since 1853 and is named after the iconic Arc de Triomphe monument, which greets the contestants as they make their way to the finish line. Some of the greatest horses in racing history have run the event, including Man o’ War and American Pharoah.
History
The Arc de Triomphe Horse Race has a long and storied history. It was first created by Napoleon III in the mid-1800s, with the original course running from the Tuileries Gardens to the Champs-Elysees.
Over the years, the race has gone through several alterations; in 1875, the course was adjusted to include the iconic arc structure. In 1910, the purse was increased significantly and the race was made an international event. It was at this time that it achieved its current popularity.
In 1916, the race was suspended due to World War I and not resumed until 1919. After the war, it regained its previous glory and remains one of the most important horse races in the world.
Prize Money
The Arc de Triomphe is known for its generous prize money, with the winner taking home €5 million ($5.6 million). Since its inception, the purse has grown significantly, from €500,000 to €5 million.
The Arc de Triomphe Horse Race has also become one of the biggest betting events in Europe, with €924 million ($1.05 billion) wagered in 2017 alone. Because of the wide range of betting options offered, the race has become immensely popular with long-time horse racing fans and casual punters alike.
The amount of money wagered often causes the odds to be quite low, making it difficult to make a profit. However, it also means that the payouts are huge, with the winner taking home a substantial amount.
Outlook
The Arc de Triomphe Horse Race is an event steeped in history and continues to be one of the most prestigious, and lucrative, events in European flat racing. It has grown dramatically in size and scope over the years and is now one of the most popular horse races on the planet.
The race often attracts the best horses and jockeys in the world and has become a proving ground for rising stars in the world of horse racing. All eyes will be on the race when it takes place in 2018 and it looks like it won’t disappoint.
Prominent Horses
The Arc de Triomphe Horse Race boasts a long list of illustrious champions, including the great American horse Man o’ War. He won the race in 1919, making him the first and only American horse to win the event.
In recent years, American Pharoah emerged as the winner of the 2015 Arc de Triomphe, making history as the first Triple Crown winner to win the event. His win was incredibly popular, sparking huge celebrations throughout Paris and across Europe.
The race also hosted other notable horses, including Secretariat in 1974, Seattle Slew in 1978, and Cigar in 1996.
Trainers and Jockeys
The Arc de Triomphe Horse Race also holds an impressive list of trainers and jockeys, including Sir Michael Stoute, who holds the record for most wins with four. He first won the race in 1979 and went on to win three more times in 1984, 1986, and 2007.
Other notable trainers include P.J. Prendergast, who won the race twice in 1969 and 1983, Aidan O’Brien, who won in 1998, and David Elsworth, who won three times from 1977 to 1989.
Among jockeys, Frankie Dettori holds the record for most wins with six victories from 1998 to 2012. He is followed by Pat Eddery, who won four times from 1978 to 1995.
Conclusion
The Arc de Triomphe Horse Race continues to be one of the most intriguing and anticipated events of the European flat racing season. The race has been around for over 150 years and has seen some of the most famous horses and jockeys in the world compete for its enormous purse. It is no wonder that it has become one of the most celebrated and watched horse racing events in the world.
