Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2024 – Runners Guide to the Richest Horse Race in Europe

Any horse racing event worth €5,000,000 is bound to attract classy colts and fillies, and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe of 2024 promises to be a cracker. The Hippodrome de Longchamp situated within the Bois de Boulogne in Paris is the home of Europe’s richest thoroughbred Flat race.

A final field of 16 runners have been declared for “the Arc”, scheduled for Sunday, 6 October. The all-important draw that influences the prices on horse racing betting sites took place the Thursday before.

Much has been made of the continuing exclusion of geldings from the race this season. This is because two of France’s best Flat horses right now, Calandagan and Goliath, can’t represent the home team in the contest.

Race conditions of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe have always favoured three-year-old fillies. That is due to them receiving the maximum weight for age and sex allowances set out.

Five of the last six editions of the Arc went to older horses, however, so it’s worth examining the field in more detail:

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2024 Runners

1. Zarakem

Course Group 2 winner at a mile-and-a-quarter on reappearance in April. Didn’t fire when a beaten favourite in the Prix Ganay, but bounced back to form when chasing home Auguste Rodin in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes during Royal Ascot. Had excuse of draw bias against him when down the field in the Juddmonte International latest, but still needs to prove himself at this level.

2. Haya Zark

Consistent sort this season who enjoyed breakthrough Group 1 success at Longchamp in April after Saint-Cloud Group 3 victory on reappearance. Not disgraced when a close third down in trip for the Prix d’Ispahan. Soon beaten when trailing in last but one in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe of 2023. Useful on his day, but this edition isn’t any easier than 12 months ago.

3. Fantastic Moon

Last year’s German Derby and Prix Niel winner disappointing on his Longchamp return in the Prix Ganay. Has since proved that running all wrong with Cologne Group 2 and Baden-Baden Group 1 victories. Only 11th from a double-figure draw in the Arc 12 months ago, yet capable of better. Record on testing ground would be a concern if rain hits Paris.

4. Al Riffa

Chased home last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact at Deauville and end of curtailed campaign in August 2023. Close fourth in Prix Ganay on reappearance. Found the going too fast on transatlantic trip to America, but much better efforts when runner-up in the Eclipse at Sandown and landing the Grosser Preis von Berlin in Germany latest. Lightly-raced for age and unexposed over the Arc distance. A dark horse drawn in the middle.

5. Sevenna’s Knight

Dual Group course winner over much further and surprising he isn’t running in the Prix du Cardan the day before the Arc. Couldn’t go the pace when sixth in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, but no stamina doubts. Won three of the big staying races in France this term, the Prix Barbeville, Vicomtesse Vigier and Gladiateur.

6. Continuous

Fifth in the Arc 12 months ago after landing the St Leger at Doncaster. Notably campaigned away from staying races since, even though he showed an aptitude for stamina tests. Needed reappearance fifth in the Hardwicke during Royal Ascot and Royal Whip success franked by runner-up, but disappointing third in Prix Foy here since. High draw a negative.

7. Bluestocking

Much-improved filly this season with two Group 1 wins in Ireland and France. Not disgraced against the boys when placed in both the King George and Juddmonte International in-between those successes. Versatile as regards trip and doesn’t mind cut in the ground. Bravely battled back and held off Aventure in the Prix Vermeille over course and distance latest. Obvious claims after connections supplemented her for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which cost €120,000.

8. Mqse De Sevigne

Versatile mare unbeaten in three Group 1s and four starts this season. Did the “Deauville Double” for females of the Prix Rothschild and Jean Romanet on the Normandy Coast again over the summer. Arc trip would be step into the unknown stamina wise. Draw widest of all and that’s a huge negative. Runs here, rather than in the Prix de l’Opera.

9. Look De Vega

French Derby winner at Chantilly over the summer. Made Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe favourite off the back of that Prix du Jockey Club success. May have been undercooked when sent off odds-on but only third in the Prix Niel over course and distance latest. Still unexposed and lightly-raced after just four career starts. Could be worth another chance from a middle draw.

10. Shin Emperor

Globetrotting runner and eye-catching length third in the Irish Champion Stakes on European debut latest. Filled same spot in Japanese Derby on home turf before that. Unraced on ground slower than good, but full-brother to 2020 Arc hero Sottsass. Has the breeding to have a say in the finish as Far East seeks elusive breakthrough win in Paris.

11. Sunway

Juvenile Group 1 winner last October that has since run a number of solid races in defeat. Placed in the Irish Derby, King George and St Leger. Can often be given too much to do on the track, because of his style of racing. Will need luck in-running if held up in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe from a high draw as usual. Others appeal more.

12. Delius

Twice placed over the Arc course and distance after landing a Chantilly Group 3 earlier in the campaign. Stayed on well in both the Grand Prix de Paris and Prix Niel latest, but something to find with Sosie. Stable has won two of the last four editions of the Arc, however, so further progress can’t be ruled out.

13. Sosie

Three-time Longchamp winner with two of those victories over the course and distance on his latest start. Reversed French Derby form with Look De Vega in the Prix Neil and has the beating of Delius on that run. Strong form claims on that evidence and his Grand Prix de Paris win on Bastille Weekend. Stable has won the Arc eight times, so he commands respect from handy low draw.

14. Los Angeles

Epsom Derby third who landed the Irish equivalent at the Curragh. Followed-up in a York Group 2 despite a penalty. Found drop back in trip against him when fourth in the Irish Champion Stakes latest. Appears to be connections’ leading contender from two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runners this year and better drawn of the pair.

15. Survie

Course and distance Group 2 winner against fellow fillies in July. Head second in the French Oaks, the Prix de Diane, before that. Disappointing seventh in the Prix Vermeille latest, so needs to bounce back. Drawn handily, but has questions to answer about whether she really handles softer and testing ground.

16. Aventure

Filly with two close seconds at Longchamp this season. Won Chantilly Group 3, then had drop back in trip against her when fourth in the Prix de Diane. Bounce backed upped in distance again for a Deauville Group 2 before chasing home Bluestocking in the Prix Vermeille latest. Briefly led and now worse off at the weights with that one, who she’s drawn next to.

Michael Lee

Betting Expert

Michael Lee

Betting Expert

Michael has worked in the sports betting industry for many years. Following football, horse racing and track and field athletics, he has covered the last three Olympic Games, World Cups and other major sporting events.

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