The biggest race of the European Flat season is almost here.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe takes centre stage at ParisLongchamp on Sunday, October 4, with some of the best horses in Europe set to go head-to-head for one of racing’s most famous prizes.
If you’re new to the Arc, or simply want a quick refresher ahead of the big day, here’s everything you need to know, from when and where the race takes place to the horses at the head of the betting.
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What is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe?
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, usually just called the Arc, is one of the most prestigious Flat races in the world.
It was first run in 1920 and takes place over 2,400 metres, roughly a mile and a half, at ParisLongchamp in Paris.
The race is open to three-year-olds and older horses and attracts runners from across Europe, as well as strong challenges from Japan and further afield.
There is also a serious amount of money on the line.
The 2026 Arc is worth €5 million, with approximately €2.86 million going to the winner.
That’s a pretty big incentive to head for Paris.
When is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2026?
The 2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will be run on Sunday, October 4.
The race is scheduled for 15:05 Irish time.
The Arc is the highlight of a huge weekend at ParisLongchamp, with top-class Group 1 action taking place across both Saturday and Sunday.
The final declarations will be made on Thursday, October 1, so the line-up could still change before the big race.
Where is the Arc being run?
The race takes place at ParisLongchamp Racecourse in Paris.
Longchamp has been the traditional home of the Arc for more than a century, apart from a temporary move to Chantilly in 2016 and 2017 while the Longchamp redevelopment was carried out.
The revamped ParisLongchamp reopened in 2018 and has been home to the Arc ever since.
How can I watch the Arc in Ireland?
Irish racing fans have several options when it comes to watching the 2026 Arc.
The race will be shown live on UTV and Virgin Media Three, with coverage beginning before the big race.
Sky Sports Racing will also have live coverage from ParisLongchamp.
The Arc itself is scheduled for 15:05, so make sure you’ve got everything sorted before the horses head into the stalls.
The race will also be live on the BAR 1 Betting website & app.
Who is running in the 2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe?
The final field isn’t known just yet, but 19 horses remained in contention after the first forfeit stage on September 28.
Among those still in the mix are:
- Daryz – Francis-Henri Graffard
- Maltese Cross – William Haggas
- Minnie Hauk – Aidan O’Brien
- Kalpana – Andrew Balding
- Diamond Necklace – Aidan O’Brien
- Benvenuto Cellini – Aidan O’Brien
- Thundering On – Joseph O’Brien
- Meisho Tabaru – Mamoru Ishibashi
- Admire Terra – Yasuo Tomomichi
- Tattycoram – Ralph Beckett
- Bay City Roller – George Scott
- Saddadd – Roger Varian
There are several more horses still entered, and we’ll know the final field after Thursday’s declarations.
That means there’s still plenty of time for the picture to change.
Who is favourite for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe?
At the time of writing, Daryz is the clear favourite for the Arc.
The defending champion is around 7/4 in the betting, with Maltese Cross next at around 5/1.
Daryz was a hugely impressive winner of last year’s Arc, getting the better of Minnie Hauk in a dramatic finish.
He’s backed that up with another excellent campaign in 2026, winning the Prix Ganay, Prix Ispahan and Prix Foy.
Now he has the chance to do something very few horses have managed.
Can Daryz win the Arc twice?
That’s arguably the biggest question going into this year’s race.
Daryz is attempting to become the first colt since Alleged in 1977 and 1978 to win consecutive renewals of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
It’s a remarkable record when you consider the number of great horses that have tried and failed to win the race twice.
The likes of Enable and Trêve, both mares, managed the feat, but consecutive Arc victories remain incredibly difficult to achieve.
Daryz already has one Arc on his CV. Now he’s trying to make history.
Who could challenge Daryz?
There is no shortage of potential challengers.
Maltese Cross
Maltese Cross is currently second in the betting and arrives with some serious form behind him.
Trained by William Haggas, the three-year-old has won five of his seven starts and already knows how to win at ParisLongchamp.
He landed the Grand Prix de Paris over the same 2,400-metre trip earlier this season, so the track and distance shouldn’t be an issue.
Minnie Hauk
There will be plenty of Irish interest in Minnie Hauk.
Aidan O’Brien’s mare was beaten by just a head when finishing second behind Daryz in last year’s Arc.
She now has the chance to return to Paris and go one better.
O’Brien could have a particularly strong hand this year, with Minnie Hauk joined by Diamond Necklace and Benvenuto Cellini among those still in contention.
Kalpana
Kalpana is another major British contender.
Trained by Andrew Balding, she produced one of the performances of the season when winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July.
She also has previous Arc experience, finishing seventh in last year’s race.
Diamond Necklace
Another fascinating Aidan O’Brien runner is Diamond Necklace.
She won her first six starts, including the Prix de Diane, before suffering her first defeat in the Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville.
The big question is whether she’ll get the chance to tackle the Arc.
She has never raced over 2,400 metres, and conditions at ParisLongchamp are likely to have a big say in the final decision.
Thundering On
There’s also an Irish-trained contender in the shape of Thundering On.
Joseph O’Brien’s filly won the Epsom Oaks and has already proved she has the class to compete at the highest level.
Like Diamond Necklace, however, her participation could depend on the conditions.
The Japanese challenge
Japan has been trying to win the Arc for years without success.
This time, Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra are among those hoping to finally put that right.
A Japanese victory would be a huge moment for the country’s racing industry and add another chapter to the Arc’s long history.
Why does the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe matter?
Winning the Arc can change the perception of a racehorse overnight.
Look at the roll of honour and you’ll find some of the biggest names in Flat racing history, including Sea The Stars, Enable, Trêve, Alleged, Dancing Brave, Mill Reef and Found.
For owners and breeders, an Arc victory can also have a huge impact on a horse’s future value.
For trainers and jockeys, it is one of the races that can define a career.
And for racing fans, there’s something unique about the Arc. It brings together the best horses from different countries at the end of the season, with reputations, records and millions of euros on the line.
Ireland has enjoyed plenty of success in the race over the years, with Irish-trained winners including Sea The Stars, Dylan Thomas, Found and Alleged.
Aidan O’Brien has won the Arc twice, with Dylan Thomas in 2007 and Found in 2016.
What makes the 2026 Arc so interesting?
There’s plenty to keep an eye on this year.
Daryz is chasing history as he bids to become the first colt since Alleged to win back-to-back Arcs.
Minnie Hauk gets another crack after finishing just a head behind him last year.
Aidan O’Brien could have three runners, with Minnie Hauk, Diamond Necklace and Benvenuto Cellini all currently entered.
Ireland has another contender in Thundering On, giving Joseph O’Brien a chance to add to the Irish challenge.
And then there’s Japan, where Meisho Tabaru and Admire Terra are hoping to finally deliver the country’s first Arc winner.
Throw in the draw (revealed on Thursday evening), the ground and the unique challenge of 2,400 metres around ParisLongchamp and there is plenty to get excited about.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2026: Quick Facts
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Venue: ParisLongchamp, Paris
Distance: 2,400m
Start time: 15:05 Irish time
Prize money: €5 million
Defending champion: Daryz
Favourite: Daryz
Irish TV: UTV and Virgin Media Three
Final declarations: Thursday, October 1
The final field and draw will give us a much clearer picture later in the week.
For now, though, the story is pretty simple: Daryz has the chance to make history, while a strong Irish, British and Japanese challenge is waiting to stop him.
