Information regarding the preparation of the ParisLongchamp track for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Fresh ground saved for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday 3 October

France Galop has decided to preserve fresh ground at the ParisLongchamp track for Sunday 3 October 2021, when the doors open for the 100th running of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Since the meeting on July 14th, 6 metres of ground has been saved on the inside of the entire track, which will not be used until the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting on Sunday 3 October.

In addition, for the first time this year, a further 6 metres, bringing it to 12 metres of fresh ground, has been saved from the start of the final straight to the winning post (600 metres). It has not been used since mid-July and will also be saved for the Sunday of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.

The aim is to produce a track with the best possible grass cover on the Sunday of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe that is denser, more consistent and faster draining in the event of heavy rainfall in order to improve the permeability of the track.

At the end of July, during the summer break at Paris-Longchamp, ground teams at the Paris-Longchamp racecourse carried out an over-seeding to increase the density of the grass cover over the entire track. Specifically, on a 12-metre strip on the inside of the final straight, mechanical operations, which could not take place on a track used for race meetings during the month of September, will be carried out:

• Going over the surface with Vertidrain: the aim is to loosen and aerate the track to restart growth, level the track and encourage drainage and permeability in the event of heavy rain
• Aeration of the soil with the help of a blade aerator: the aim is to promote the supply of oxygen to the soil and also to stimulate root development and grass growth.

The rail will be moved back to zero for the meeting on Sunday 3 October, while the rail will be at 17 metres on Saturday 2 October. For the Qatar Arcs Trials the rail will be at 12 metres.

Also, on Arc weekend, between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, depending on the weather forecast, the track will be mowed to a height of 10cm.

Cut-away in place for meeting on Sunday 3 October

The Cut-away will only be in place for the meeting on Sunday 3 October. The Qatar Arc Trials meeting will be held without the Cut-away.