What Is 2019 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Overview

The 2019 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, held on October 6, 2019, marked a historic moment in horse racing as Enable claimed victory for the second time. Run at ParisLongchamp Racecourse in France, the race is widely regarded as Europe’s most prestigious flat race, attracting top thoroughbreds from around the globe.

Enable, trained by John Gosden and ridden by jockey Frankie Dettori, triumphed over a competitive field of 15 horses. Her win solidified her status as one of the greatest modern-day racehorses and made her the first to win the Arc twice since Treve in 2014 and the first back-to-back winner since Alleged in 1978.

• Enable’s 2019 win made her the first horse since 1997 to win the Arc twice, having previously won in 2017 and 2018.
• The race distance was 2,400 meters (approximately 1.5 miles), run on turf under soft ground conditions due to recent rain.
• Frankie Dettori secured his fourth Arc victory, having previously won in 1995, 2001, and 2007, cementing his legacy as a top jockey.
• ParisLongchamp hosted the event after a major renovation completed in 2018, enhancing facilities and spectator capacity to over 50,000.
• The prize purse totaled €4.5 million, with the winner receiving €2.7 million, making it one of the richest races in Europe.

How It Works

The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is an annual Group 1 flat race open to horses aged three years and older, held on the first Sunday in October. Run over 2,400 meters at ParisLongchamp, it tests speed, stamina, and tactical racing under elite conditions.

• Eligibility: Horses must be at least three years old, with no upper age limit. Both colts and fillies compete, though fillies often have weight allowances.
• Entry process: Nominations open months in advance, with over 100 initial entries; final entries are confirmed closer to race day, typically narrowing to 16–20 runners.
• Weight assignments: Weight is assigned based on age and sex, with fillies and mares receiving a 1.5-kilogram allowance against male horses.
• Starting gate: The race uses a maximum field of 20, with positions drawn randomly; post positions can significantly influence race strategy.
• Timing and broadcast: The race starts around 4:15 PM local time and is broadcast live in over 60 countries, reaching an estimated 100 million viewers.
• Prize distribution: The winner receives 60% of the purse, second place 15%, third 8%, fourth 5%, and fifth 2%, with the remainder split among other finishers.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 Arc winner, Enable, against recent champions in terms of performance, jockey, trainer, and historical significance.

Enable’s consistency across multiple years stands out, especially given the soft ground in 2019, which slowed the final time compared to 2015 and 2016. Her dominance over three years highlights exceptional training and conditioning, setting her apart from peers who typically peak for a single season.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Arc victory had significant implications for horse racing, breeding, and sports history. Enable’s achievement elevated her to legendary status and influenced breeding values and racing strategies worldwide.

• Historic achievement: Enable became the first horse in 22 years to win the Arc twice, joining legends like Treve and Alleged.
• Impact on breeding: Her success increased her value as a broodmare, with future foals expected to command top prices at auction.
• Jockey legacy: Frankie Dettori’s fourth win placed him among the most successful jockeys in Arc history, boosting his international profile.
• Trainer recognition: John Gosden’s meticulous training regimen was widely praised, reinforcing his reputation in elite horse conditioning.
• Global attention: The race drew record viewership, especially in the UK, Japan, and the Middle East, where ownership interests are strong.
• Future races: Enable’s 2019 win set up a potential bid for a third title in 2020, a feat never before accomplished in the race’s history.

Ultimately, the 2019 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was not just a race win—it was a milestone in equine sports history, showcasing endurance, strategy, and excellence at the highest level.