Europe's Premier Horse Race
Sixteen Elite Horses Prepare for Europe’s Prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
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Key Points
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Daryz has an exceptional Longchamp record: the runner-by-runner guide lists his form at the track as 11121111, and says he has won seven of his eight starts there.
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Maltese Cross, the Epsom Derby runner-up, won the Grand Prix de Paris in the summer; he will start from stall 11 and would become the first horse to win the Arc from that draw.
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Aidan O’Brien has three runners—Minnie Hauk, Diamond Necklace and Benvenuto Cellini—and Ryan Moore chose Benvenuto Cellini after Diamond Necklace drew the widest stall.
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Organizers expect more than 35,000 spectators for the Arc’s 105th edition, which is scheduled to be broadcast live in 60 countries; 250 journalists have been accredited.
The 2026 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe brings 16 runners to Longchamp on Sunday, October 4, for Europe's premier middle-distance race. Paddy Power reports that last year's winner Daryz leads the field as he chases history—attempting to become the first male horse since 1978 to win back-to-back Arcs.
Britain's Kalpana, fresh off wins in the King George and Yorkshire Oaks, and Irish Oaks champion Thundering On stand as principal challengers. Bet365 notes that organizers expect more than 35,000 spectators for the 105th running, broadcast live in 60 countries.
Daryz Seeks Historic Back-to-Back Victory
Daryz arrives in exceptional form after winning the Prix Foy. Bet365's runner-by-runner guide reveals his Longchamp record reads 11121111—he has won seven of his eight starts at the track. The colt's dominance at the venue makes him the standout favorite for Sunday.
Kalpana and Thundering On Mount Strong Challenge
Britain's Kalpana enters as a live contender after claiming victories in two major Group One races. Thundering On, winner of the Irish Oaks, represents Ireland's hopes in a field that will again seek Japan's first Arc victory. Both horses provide genuine pace and pedigree to test Daryz's dominance.
Maltese Cross Bids for Stall 11 Breakthrough
Maltese Cross, runner-up in the Epsom Derby, won the Grand Prix de Paris in summer and will start from stall 11. No horse has ever won the Arc from stall 11—he would make history if successful. His summer form suggests he arrives ready to challenge the favorites.
O'Brien Runs Three Contenders with Moore's Pick
Trainer Aidan O'Brien saddles three runners: Minnie Hauk, Diamond Necklace, and Benvenuto Cellini. Star jockey Ryan Moore chose Benvenuto Cellini after Diamond Necklace drew the widest stall. Bet365 predicts Daryz will win, with Kalpana second and Thundering On third—though this forecast remains prediction rather than a guaranteed race result.
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