Paris: The stage is set for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend to kick off today. Over two days, the world’s best thoroughbreds and Arabians, ridden by the most celebrated jockeys, will descend on the ParisLongchamp racecourse.
As many as 98 horses will feature in nine races one Day 1, including three Group1s and three Group2s.
At 03:00pm Doha time, the €150,000 (Gr1 PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Juments (Race 2) will feature ten 4YO fillies, who will contest over 2000 metres. Three will run in the colours of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani; Aksinya, Al Ryma Monlau and Raahah. Al Shaqab Racing representative in this race is Al Haffanah, who won the Qatar Arabian Trophy Des Pouliches last year. The other runners are Jadeeda, Durat Al Zaman, R’ezala, Jaazmah Athbah, Vivabaina and Bayan.
The €200,000 Gr2 Qatar Prix Chaudenay (Race7 – 6pm Doha time) is for 3YO over 3000 metres. Ten runners will be in the fray. Al Shaqab Racing will be represented in this race by Lucky Lycra. The other runners are Moonlight Spirit, Iskanderhon, Dashing Willoughby, Nayef Road, San Huberto, Ashrun, Technician, Golden Box and Muette.
Earlier, the opener will be the €200,000 Gr2 Qatar Prix Dollar for 3YO+ over 1950 metres and will start at 02:30pm Doha time. The six runners of this race are Mountain Angel, Skalleti, Villa Rosa, Line Of Duty, Flambeur and Leo De Fury.
Race 3 will be the €200,000 Gr2 Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein for 3YO+ over a mile. There will be five runners; The Revenant, Olmedo, Impulsif, Shaman and Tauran Shaman.
The €70,000 Qatar Grand Handicap Des Juments (Race 4) will be for 3YO+ fillies and mares over 2000 metres. 16 fillies and mares will be contesting in this race.
Race 5 will be the €275,000 Haras de Bouquetot - Critérium de la Vente d’Octobre Arqana. 14 two-year-old runners will contest over a mile.
The €300,000 Gr1 Qatar Prix De Royallieu (Race 6) is reserved for 3YO+ fillies and mares over 2800 metres. The nine runners in this race are Enbihaar, Pilaster, Musis Amica, Lah Ti Dar, Mutamakina, South Sea Pearl, Anapurna, Delphinia and Satomi.
Race 8 will be the €300,000 Gr1 Qatar Prix Du Cadran is reserved for 4YO+ stayers. Ten runners will do their best to prove their stamina over 4000 metres.
They are Dee Ex Bee, Mille Et Mille, Way To Paris, Holdthasigreen, Who Dares Wins, Cleonte, Falcon Eight, Call The Wind, Funny Kid and Line Des Ongrais.
Race 9, the Prix Qatar Racing And Equestrian Club will conclude the day at 7:10 pm Doha time. 18 3YO+ fillies and mares will contest in the 2000 metres handicap carrying a purse of €28,000.
