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| Staff Writer |
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Anticipation is building in the French capital as Parislongchamp prepares to host the Qatar Arc Trials, a pivotal dress rehearsal for October's showpiece event. The September 15 fixture, boasting significant international representation, serves as the final litmus test for Arc aspirants.
The nine-race programme features a sextet of group races, headlined by the Qatar Prix Vermeille (Gr.1). Purebred Arabian action takes centre stage in the Qatar Cup - Prix Dragon (Gr.1 PA), while the Qatar Prix Niel (Gr.2) and Qatar Prix Foy (Gr.2) offer further Group-level intrigue. The sprint division is catered for in the Qatar Prix Du Petit Couvert (Gr.3) and Qatar Prix Du Pin (Gr.3).
Last year's Vermeille heroine, Nashwa, trained by John and Thady Gosden, went on to claim Group One glory in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood. The race has a storied history, with past winners including the brilliant Enable, who used it as a springboard to Arc success in 2018.
The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club's (QREC) long-standing partnership with France Galop has been instrumental in elevating the Arc weekend to its current status as a sporting highlight on the French calendar. Their support extends to the burgeoning Arabian racing scene, with the Qatar Cup - Prix Dragon forming part of a prestigious triple crown alongside the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood and the Qatar Arabian World Cup on Arc day.
QREC's management is working closely with France Galop to ensure the Trials day, and subsequently the main event, maintain the high standards befitting Qatar's substantial investment in international racing.
With the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe looming on the horizon, trainers will be keen to gauge their charges' readiness over Parislongchamp's idiosyncratic contours. The results of these trials will shape the field for the "World's Best Horse Race" in early October.
Alain de Royer-Dupre, mastermind behind five Arc victories, offers his perspective: "The trials are crucial. They give you a clear picture of where your horse stands against top-class opposition. It's the final piece of the puzzle before the big day."
Qatari-owned horses are expected to feature prominently, particularly in the Qatar Cup - Prix Dragon. This race has often proven a reliable pointer towards the Qatar Arabian World Cup, where Qatari colours have been carried to victory on multiple occasions.
Francois Rohaut, trainer of last year's Qatar Arabian World Cup hero Tayf, reflects on the importance of the trials: "It's a vital stepping stone. The track, the atmosphere – it all helps prepare these horses for the main event in October."
As the clock ticks down to Arc weekend, all eyes will be on Parislongchamp come September 15. The Qatar Arc Trials promise to deliver high-octane action, with reputations on the line and October glory at stake.