Once again we are delighted to be able to offer you a selection of tours to the 2009 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

This will be a spectacular weekend of the finest turf racing with 11 Group races over the two days. The Arc is not only Europe's most prestigious race but, with the partnership between France Galop and The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, it has become the world's richest turf race with prize money of 4 million Euros. This festival of racing is a showcase of the greatest thoroughbred horses in training.

Unlike many other Tour Operators, Horse Racing Abroad offers you total flexibility with regard to your choice of hotel, mode of transport and number of nights' stay, allowing you to "mix and match" to suit your requirements.

Our packages are fully inclusive, comprising escorted transfers in Paris on arrival/departure and from your hotel to Longchamp on race days, with racecourse admission provided. In addition, our staff are on hand both in your hotel and at the course to ensure the smooth running of your weekend from start to finish. With flights from most of the UK's major airports, a selection of Eurostar trains, a wide range of 3 star, 4 star, 4 star Deluxe and Palace hotels and our exclusive arrangements at Longchamp, we are confident that ours is a Winning Formula! Whether travelling individually or as a corporate group we cater for every need.

As there are 8 races scheduled on Arc day we strongly recommend, for your own comfort, that you stay overnight in Paris after racing.

The Arc Last Year...

There were 16 runners in the Arc last year and Zarkava, winner of the previous year's Prix Marcel Boussac and the even money favourite, ran a perfect race to win by 2 lengths from Youmzain in second place and Soldier of Fortune in third.

 

Pic: Zarkava

Supporting Group I Races...

Group 1 "Prix de l'Opera": Lady Marian, the German entry, ridden by Dominique Boeuf, was victorious over the British runner Lush Lashes and the Irish Katiyra.

Group 1 "Prix de l'Abbaye": (the European Sprint Championship over 5 furlongs) caused one of the strangest occurrences in recent racing history. One starting gate did not open and the race was declared 'no contest'. The race was rescheduled to be run after the last race of the day but only 17 of the original 20 runners raced. The race was won by favourite Marchand D'Or who was followed home by Moorehouse Lad and Borderlescott.

Group 1 "Prix Marcel Boussac": for 2 year old f llies, has produced numerous Classic winners. Proportional ridden by Stéphane Pasquier and trained by Criquette Head was the winner.

 

Pic: Proportional

Group 1 "Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere" (formerly the Grand Criterium): for 2 year old colts & fillies only had 7 runners. Naaqoos was an impressive winner for trainer Freddie Head.

Supporting Group I Races on Saturday...

Group 1 "Prix du Cadran": (the French equivalent of the Ascot Gold Cup) was won by Bannaby with Incanto Dream in second and Orion Star in third place.

Group 1 "Prix de la Foret": for 3 year olds. Paco Boy, trained by Richard Hannon, was the winner beating Natagora by 3 lengths.

 

Pic: Paco Boy