The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the defining championship races in international Thoroughbred racing. Run at ParisLongchamp over 2,400 metres, the Group 1 brings leading three year olds together with older horses at the classic distance.
2026 race information
The 2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is scheduled for Sunday, October 4 at ParisLongchamp. France Galop lists the race at 2,400 metres with a purse of €5 million.
The race was created in 1920 and has developed into the centerpiece of the autumn European racing season. Its position in early October gives established older runners and the leading classic generation a direct championship test on turf.
The 2026 picture after the Arc trials
Daryz strengthened his position for the 2026 Arc by winning the Prix Foy at ParisLongchamp on September 6. France Galop reported that the defending Arc winner defeated Bay City Roller by one and a half lengths. OTB Bet covered that result in its Arc trials recap.
Varandir also moved into the conversation by winning the Prix Niel for three year olds over the same course and distance. He defeated Alam by one and a quarter lengths after making his move in the final stages.
Friendly Soul won the Group 1 Prix Vermeille on the same card and earned a Wild Card option for the Arc. Her connections also retain the option of returning to the Prix de l’Opéra, which is run on the same day. Read the OTB Bet Prix Vermeille recap for the latest context.
Why the Arc matters
The Arc is a direct comparison between generations, racing programs and international form. Horses arrive from major European campaigns and occasionally from farther abroad, making the race a useful reference point for the strength of the global turf division.
For readers following the wider international championship season, the Arc also sits less than a month before the Breeders’ Cup. The two events are separate targets, but together they shape much of the late season conversation around elite turf horses.
OTB Bet Arc coverage
This page is the permanent OTB Bet hub for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. It will be updated as official entries, final declarations and verified results become available. For the broader calendar, visit Major Races.
Official race information and historical facts are available from France Galop. France Galop also confirms the 2026 race date and the September trial results.