Arc Races, a new eight-race initiative that will grant each winner a spot in the €5-million G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in the autumn, was launched by France Galop on Sunday. Highlighting some of the best of French racing, the aim of the series is to raise the profile of the Arc, which takes place at ParisLongchamp on October 5 this year.
Spread across the calendar, the Arc Races include the following contests: the G1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club on June 1 and the G1 Prix de Diane Longines on June 15 both at Chantilly; Saint-Cloud's G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on June 29, the G1 Grand Prix de Paris back at ParisLongchamp on July 13, and the G1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville on August 24. In addition, ParisLongchamp will host the Qatar Arc Trials on September 7 which encompass the G1 Qatar Prix Vermeille, the G2 Qatar Prix Niel and the G2 Qatar Prix Foy.
Winners of the Arc Races will be granted a wildcard to run in the Arc, provided they meet the race conditions. If there are too many starters (race limit is 24), Arc Races winners will be given priority and will not be included in the elimination procedure.
France Galop will also refund their entry fees (€8,300), while horses that have not been entered will be given the opportunity of an entry window 15 days after the official closing date. Winners of the Arc trial races will have their entry fees refunded. More importantly, if they don't have an entry in the Arc, they will receive a free supplementary entry worth €120,000.
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