On Saturday 6^th and Sunday 7^th October 2012, at Longchamp racecourse, racing fans, horse lovers and all who appreciate great sporting moments, will gather to watch the 91^st renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the undisputed highlight of the racing season.

The weekend’s racing programme is celebrated far beyond France’s borders. This is not surprising, since the English Thoroughbred Championships and the world’s richest Purebred Arabian race are held concurrently. The cards on Saturday and Sunday feature 17 Flat races, including the exceptional total of 13 Group races, which are used to determine the level of excellence of horse racing around the world. There are seven Group 1 races and four Group 2 races for thoroughbreds, while there are two Group 1 races for Purebred Arabians. Total prize-money distributed over the weekend is a record 7.2 Million Euros. Of that sum, 4 Million Euros alone is reserved for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which lends its name to the entire weekend. The Qatar Arabian World Cup, which is open to Purebred Arabians, is worth 700 000 Euros.

The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is the feature event on Sunday, when one horse alone will join the legendary roll-call of winners of this mythical mile-and-a-half race. Runners gather from all over the world in the hope of adding their name to this prestigious list. It is a fabulous opportunity for spectators to watch the best horses of 2012, ridden by the most talented jockeys, fight for the honours in a highly intensive race.