Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2026: Date, Time, Schedule, Prize Money and How to Watch
The 105th Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will headline one of the biggest weekends in European horse racing when the event returns to ParisLongchamp Racecourse on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the centerpiece of a major two-day racing festival featuring several Group 1 contests and a total Arc prize pool of €5 million.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2026 Race Conditions
The 2026 renewal will feature thoroughbreds aged three and older.
Distance: 2,400 metres
Surface: Turf
Three-year-olds: 56.5 kg
Four-year-olds and older: 59.5 kg
Maximum field: Usually 20 to 24 runners
Geldings: Excluded from the 2026 race
The gelding restriction is scheduled to be lifted from the 2027 renewal onward.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Information 2026
The 2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
The main race is scheduled for:
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Time: 3:05 PM local time
Venue: ParisLongchamp Racecourse
Location: Paris, France
Distance: 2,400 metres
The wider Arc Weekend begins on Saturday, October 3, with a full program of major races.
When is Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2026?
The 105th Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe takes place on Sunday, 4 October 2026. The main race is scheduled to start at 15:05 local time (Paris).
The full Arc Weekend runs across two days — Saturday 3 October and Sunday 4 October 2026. The official stall draw is held on Thursday, 1 October 2026 and is broadcast live on Equidia.
Where Is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Held 2026?
The race will take place at ParisLongchamp Racecourse in the Bois de Boulogne on the western side of Paris.
ParisLongchamp has served as the traditional home of the Arc and features a demanding right-handed turf course.
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe covers 2,400 metres, which is approximately 1.5 miles.
How to Watch the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2026
Coverage of the 2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will be available through broadcasters and streaming services in several countries.
United Kingdom: ITV1 and ITVX are expected to provide coverage of the main race. Some bookmakers may also provide live streaming for eligible account holders.
France: Equidia and selected French broadcasters will provide coverage.
International: The Arc is broadcast in more than 60 countries.
International viewers should check local listings for confirmed broadcasters and streaming services.
Exact television schedules and streaming arrangements for the 2026 event are expected to be confirmed closer to race day.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2026 Weekend Schedule
Thursday, October 1
Official Stall Draw
The official stall draw is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 1 and will be broadcast live on Equidia.
Saturday, October 3
Arc Weekend Day 1
The opening day features several major races, including Group 1 contests such as the Prix de Royallieu and Prix du Cadran.
Sunday, October 4
Arc Weekend Day 2
The second day features eight elite championship races, headlined by the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Sunday, October 4
Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Main race, 3:05 PM local time.
The weekend also includes the Qatar Arabian World Cup and other high-class races.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2026 Prize Money
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe carries a total prize fund of €5 million.
The expected prize-money distribution is:
1st: €2,857,000
2nd: €1,143,000
3rd: €571,500
4th: €285,500
5th: €143,000
Additional breeder premiums are also available, with the winner eligible for a premium of up to €135,000.
A Japan Racing Association bonus of up to $5 million is also available to the Arc winner if the horse subsequently contests the Japan Cup in November 2026, with additional bonuses available for the second and third-place finishers.
2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Entries
Interest in the 105th running is already high.
A total of 73 horses were entered for the 2026 Arc in May, with horses from several major European and international racing nations represented.
France, Britain, Ireland, Japan and Germany are among the countries expected to have strong representation.
The final field will become clearer as the race approaches, with withdrawals and qualification determining the eventual lineup.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe History
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was first run in 1920.
The race takes its name from the famous Arc de Triomphe monument in Paris and was created to bring together elite middle-distance thoroughbreds from around the world.
The race has since become one of the most prestigious turf events in international horse racing.
Past winners include Sea-Bird, Ribot, Dancing Brave and Enable.
Recent winners include Ace Impact in 2023, Bluestocking in 2024 and Daryz in 2025.
The event has also grown significantly since Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club became its sponsor in 2008.
What Makes the 2026 Arc Special?
The 2026 renewal will be the 105th running of the historic race.
The €5 million prize pool makes it one of the most valuable flat races in Europe.
The combination of a world-class field, the historic ParisLongchamp setting and a packed two-day program makes Arc Weekend one of the biggest dates on the international racing calendar.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2026 Quick Facts
Race: Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Edition: 105th
Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Start time: 3:05 PM local time
Venue: ParisLongchamp Racecourse
Location: Paris, France
Distance: 2,400 metres
Surface: Turf
Prize pool: €5 million
Main age group: Three-year-olds and older
Arc Weekend: October 3-4, 2026
The 2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe promises another major showdown between the leading thoroughbreds in Europe and around the world. Fans can follow the final entries, draw, odds, runners, results and full Arc Weekend schedule as the October 4 feature race approaches.
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