Going update ahead of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend at ParisLongchamp
Charles de Cordon, ParisLongchamp’s Clerk of the Course, issued the following update regarding the ground at the ParisLongchamp racecourse.
Weather conditions
Conditions are evolving, but the weather has remained unusually dry for this time of year, with no rain (0mm) since 8 September 2026, the day after the Qatar Arc trials.
As of Saturday, 26 September 2026, the forecast is for light showers on Monday, 28 September, followed by heavier rain overnight from Wednesday, 30 September into Thursday, 1 October, with further showers possible during the day on Thursday.
On Friday, 25 September, the going at ParisLongchamp was 3.3 GOOD to SOFT.
The track was watered on Friday evening to maintain the going at GOOD (3,2) through to Monday, when showers are expected.
Further watering may be carried out in the middle of next week, depending on the weather.
Charles de Cordon and his team are expecting the going to be GOOD to SOFT for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.
How to keep up to date with the going at ParisLongchamp
Throughout the week leading up to the Arc, France Galop will publish a daily update on ground conditions on its website, within the page dedicated to race meetings, following the penetrometer and GoingStick readings taken each day at the end of the morning.
This information will also be shared daily on France Galop’s social media channels, via the @FranceGalop account on X.
Reminder of the rail position on Saturday and Sunday
- Saturday, 3 October:
After no racing for four weeks, the rail will be positioned at 15 metres on the final straight and 8 metres throughout the remainder of the track.
- Sunday, 4 October:
The rail will be moved back to zero (0 metres).
On this day, there will be a 6m Cut-away at 450m from the winning post.