The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe 2017

18 September 2017

A Day at the Races, Parisian Style

On the first weekend of every October, Kings, Counts and dignitaries flock to Paris for the equine event of the season - which this year, can be found at Chantilly Racecourse. So, dig out your most fabulous attire and set yourself for days of Champagne fuelled merriment at Europe’s richest horse race.

The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

30th September – 1st October 2017

Information & Tickets

And they’re off! Every year, the great and the good from around the world arrive in Paris for Europe’s biggest, richest, and most glamorous horse race - the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. More than a mere meeting, the whole weekend is something of an occasion - and a prestigious one at that.

In total, fifteen flat races are ran across the two days, leading up to the spectacular finale - where a field of the most talented thoroughbreds and their fearless jockeys hurl themselves along the 2,400 metre racecourse at speeds of up to 70km/hour!

For the victor, a cool €5 million awaits. Though this is a fraction of the millions wagered by the thirty thousand spectators who occupy the Chantilly Racecourse, and the additional audience of one billion who watch the action at home. Duly, given what’s at stake, the excitement and emotion that fills the air is electric - erupting as The Arc (as it is more commonly known) descends into its dramatic climax, with winning cheers and losing jeers ringing out across the city.

But betting aside, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is more than just winning and losing. Above all, the occasion is one of elegance, glamour, and all round cheeriness - made cheerier by the copious wining, dining and socialising opportunities on parade - which is all to be enjoyed, whilst looking absolutely fabulous.

Parisian Elegance & Etiquette at the Races

As to be expected from a weekend at the races, fashion is an essential element of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - you are in Paris after all! The city that gave the world Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton.

Accordingly, both ladies and gentleman flaunt attire that is suitably sophisticated - with the French taking a markedly more modest approach to the races than their European counterparts. Although, the wearing of a spectacular hat is still obligatory for ladies (and gentleman, if they so please).

Such is the showcasing of style at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, every year the most elegant couples are chosen for the Prix d’Élégance for Beaux Duos, by fashion ambassador Alexandra Golovanoff - with the three best dressed bestowed with a selection of luxury prizes.

So, all the more reason to be lavishly suited and booted for the occasion! Which fortunately, need not be an issue with Amarante Champs-Élysées’ convenient location next to the world famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées - where the perfect outfit assuredly awaits in the high-end fashion houses and luxury independent boutiques.

Horses, Heroes & History of The Arc

First held in 1920, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has since gone on to become one of, if not the most prestigious race meeting in the world - and while some may miss the traditional location of Longchamp, Chantilly has provided a beautiful interim home for the occasion.

Last year, any sense of unreality of the race being ran away from Longchamp was quickly forgotten, when Ireland’s champion trainer Aidan O’Brien recorded an unprecedented 1-2-3 at The Arc - with Ryan Moore taking the plaudits and €5 million worth of spoils, after racing home on Found.

The victory was Moore’s second in Paris, though his impressive tally is notably trumped (for now) by four time winner, Thierry Jarnet. Most famously, the Frenchman is remembered for his dominance on Treve; riding home on the filly in both 2013 and 2014, before Frankie Dettori shattered their chance of a historic hat-trick on Golden Horn - in the process recording his fourth victory at The Arc.

Luxury Breaks During the Race of the Year

Recently refurbished to the highest standards of luxury, our Deluxe Elysées Rooms combine traditional elegance with the very best in exclusive service and 4-star amenities. Coupled with a premium Champs Elysées location, these exceptional rooms are perfect for making your Parisian Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe getaway an unforgettable one.

See our Exclusive Rates & Offers and book your weekend at the races today.