France Galop Enters Final Preparations for Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Festival in Paris
Mdmar – Paris
France Galop has entered the final stage of preparations for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Festival, which will take place at ParisLongchamp Racecourse on Saturday and Sunday, 3–4 October 2026, with extensive organisational, public and media arrangements befitting one of the world’s most prestigious turf racing events.
France Galop is preparing to welcome around 35,000 spectators over the weekend, representing approximately 50 nationalities, while nearly 2,600 people will be working at ParisLongchamp across around 200 different professions and operational roles.
The racecourse features approximately 17 hectares of turf tracks, with around 80 staff members responsible for maintaining the racing surfaces. France Galop is also making extensive preparations in the stable areas to ensure the highest standards for the horses competing throughout the weekend.
“Festival of Nations” Highlights the 2026 Edition
One of the major additions to the 2026 edition is the introduction of the “Festival of Nations”, as France Galop looks to expand the experience beyond racing and transform ParisLongchamp into an international sporting, cultural and entertainment destination throughout the two-day meeting.
Five leading racing nations — France, Britain, Ireland, Japan and Germany — will enjoy a special presence through dedicated areas allowing visitors to discover their racing traditions, horses, jockeys and cultures.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
The programme will also include musical and artistic performances, food experiences and activities for racegoers, along with a Parade of Nations featuring horses, flag bearers, performers and international delegations in an atmosphere inspired by the opening ceremonies of major global sporting events.
Among the new experiences planned for the meeting is “Le Sommet de l’Arc”, offering spectators an elevated viewing point overlooking the racecourse, while the Arc Village will serve as one of the main entertainment hubs on Sunday.
World-Class Racing Programme
Saturday, 3 October, will feature a strong programme at ParisLongchamp, including major Group races such as the Group 1 Qatar Prix du Cadran and Group 1 Prix de Royallieu.
The sporting action will reach its peak on Sunday, 4 October, with the running of the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, alongside several other elite contests including the Prix de l’Opéra, Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère and Prix Marcel Boussac.
The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is staged over 2,400 metres and carries total prize money of €5 million, maintaining its position among the richest and most prestigious turf races in Europe.
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The initial entry list for the 2026 edition featured 73 horses, including runners representing France, Britain, Ireland, Japan and Germany, underlining once again the truly international nature of the event.
France Galop also staged the Qatar Arc Trials at ParisLongchamp on 6 September, providing an important sporting rehearsal ahead of the main festival. The meeting included the Qatar Prix Vermeille, Qatar Prix Niel and Qatar Prix Foy, all traditionally regarded as key preparatory races for the Arc.
Special Arrangements for the Draw
For the 2026 edition, France Galop has also introduced new arrangements for announcing the starting stalls for both the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Qatar Arabian World Cup.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
The draw is scheduled to take place electronically on the morning of Thursday, 1 October, under official supervision, with the stall numbers then formally unveiled later that evening during the official launch ceremony for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.
The move is intended to give the draw greater media exposure and to make it another major moment in the build-up to the festival.
Extensive Media and Security Preparations
France Galop has also opened the media accreditation process for the festival and is providing journalists and photographers with dedicated media resources for the 2026 edition, including press information, photographs and official releases.
Security arrangements are also expected to be reinforced around the entrances to ParisLongchamp during the festival to ensure smooth and safe access for spectators, participants and accredited media.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
France Galop has further strengthened the international profile of the meeting with the announcement of Cygames as the first Japanese company to become a Premium Partner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Meanwhile, the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) continues its prominent role as the principal partner of the event, reflecting the strength and longevity of the Qatar–France partnership and its contribution to enhancing the global standing of the festival.
With the racecourse undergoing its final preparations, elite horses and jockeys preparing to arrive from across the world, and a significantly expanded programme of public activities, France Galop is working to make the 2026 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Festival far more than a weekend of racing.
The festival is set to become a major international celebration of the sport, reaching its climax on Sunday, 4 October, when a new champion will be crowned in one of the most famous horse races in the world.
“Mdmar” website for horse racing and equestrian News
The “Mdmar” website which was Founded by Khaled Makhlouf in 2007 for horse and equestrian races is keen to cover and follow all competitions related to horses, from show jumping, Horseracing, speed and endurance races, and purebred Arabian horse beauty shows, which belong to the Arab Gulf countries at home and abroad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
