The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world, held annually in Paris, France. It usually takes place on the first Sunday in October at the Longchamp Racecourse – and you can catch the 2023 edition of the race between 30th September and 1st October.
This globally renowned race is open to thoroughbred horses aged three and older and is contested over a distance of 2,400 metres. With a purse that consistently ranks among the highest in horse racing, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe attracts the very best horses, jockeys and trainers from all around the globe.
This is a race that has a rich history dating all the way back to 1920 and has seen numerous legendary horses – such as Sea Bird, Enable and Treve, claim victory. What’s more, it is often considered the pinnacle of European flat racing – and it really is a true spectacle for horse racing enthusiasts worldwide. But what can we expect from this year’s event?
Who To Watch
This year’s edition of the race promises to be pretty exciting. Jean-Claude Rouget’s three-year-old Ace Impact is currently the favourite for the home team. Nonetheless, it seems that there is some pretty decent ante-post value in considering a couple of British horses who could perform well at Longchamp on October 1.
Could Ace Have an Impact?
At the time of writing, Ace Impact is definitely a deserving horse racing betting favourite for the Arc. The son of Cracksman boasts an impressive record of 5 wins in 5 starts since he debuted back in January – and his recent preparatory run at Deauville in mid-August looked very promising.
However, at the current odds, sitting at around 7/2, there’s not that much value to be had here – which is especially pertinent in a race like the Arc, which is often contested on deep ground, especially when it’s the horse’s first attempt over a distance longer than 1 mile 2½ furlongs.
Bookies Falling Over Westover
Another contender with ample experience at this level, over the Arc’s distance, and in varied conditions is Ralph Beckett’s Westover. The four-year-old son of Frankel, who finished sixth in last year’s Arc, came very close to victory in the King George at Ascot in late July, pipped at the post by Hukum. Given a challenging ride, there’s a fair chance that he could well reverse the form with Owen Burrows’ six-year-old, who had a smoother trip, assuming they both line up.
Westover is currently in formidable form – and still improving, and he favours softer ground… although his participation is uncertain if the going becomes heavy as it did last year. That being said, he is expected to be in fine condition on race day. Westover has come close to victory in some of the most prestigious flat races on the calendar, and, if bookies have it right, it appears he is now closer than ever to his moment of triumph.
Could Luxembourg Take Over France?
If we are looking at King George form, then we would be forgiven for looking at Luxembourg, trained by Aidan O’Brien. In the previous edition of the race, he managed to finish seventh, just behind Westover, after encountering trouble during the race and suffering a muscle injury in his hip.
However, since then, he has secured victory in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup and finished second to Juddmonte International hero Mostahdaf in the G1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot before his fourth-place finish in the King George.
Luxembourg has had a standout campaign as the son of Camelot – and it seems likely that the Arc will be his final assignment. However, if you do opt for him to back, then considering his current odds of 12/1 with some bookmakers, Luxembourg is expected to shorten significantly on race day, particularly if Ryan Moore indeed takes the reins. So you better get in there quick!
The beauty of the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe is that anything can happen. It is fast-paced, exciting and one of the best races on the calendar. So, make your choice, pick your horse and see if you can back a winner.