12 May 2022
Photo scoopdyga.com
Torquator Tasso returns to ParisLongchamp
In 2021, the German colt Torquator Tasso landed an exceptional renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1) at ParisLongchamp. Exceptional, not only because it was the 100th running of the race, but also as the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was once again voted the Best Race of 2021. A prize which was introduced in 2015 by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, in association with Longines, of which the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has claimed five times.
With the entries now published, the 2022 edition can be as exceptional as 2021, if not more so! Torquator Tasso, the titleholder, will be present at ParisLongchamp to defend his crown and encounter many of the horses he beat in last year’s triumph. Even if last year’s second Tarnawa has retired to the breeding sheds, the third-placed Hurricane Lane looks a likely runner, along with fourth-placed Adayar and the fifth-placed, Sealiway, and in 2022, they could be primed to take their revenge.
Ambitious approach from Japan
The Japanese have dreamed of winning the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and throughout 2021, along with this winter, the horses coming from the Land of the Rising Sun have taken the racing world by storm. Not only have they claimed prestigious contests in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Honk Kong, but also in the United States. So far, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has illuded the Japanese, but in 2022 their team looks particularly strong. Seven Japanese entries, including 4-year-old Shahryar, who just a few months ago, beat many of the world’s best horses when landing the Dubai Sheema Classic in Dubai, a race ran over the same distance as the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2.400m). Another Japanese contender to note is Titleholder, who won the prestigious March Tenno Sho, which translates as the ‘Emperor’s Prize’ in a procession and could be interesting come October.
Antoine Griezmann and Charles Leclerc with Arc hopes
Sports stars have always enjoyed a day at the races! Football ace Antoine Griezmann and Formula 1’s Charles Leclerc could both have their first runners in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Antoine Griezmann owns Natsukashi, a 4-year-old filly, while Charles Leclerc is associated with a 3-year-old called Lassaut, who will line-up in Sunday’s Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Group 1) at ParisLongchamp.
86 horses have been entered in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe of 2022.