What a weekend! The 96th running of the Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe did not disappoint the punters as Frankie Dettori, breezed up on odds on favourite, Enable. This filly really is special and her form is taking the racing world by storm.This year was a record breaker for Racing Breaks’ Ambassador Frankie, as he led the field and won for the fifth time in his career. John Gosden trained Enable, cruised round and sat tight until the last 400m (2 furlongs) when Frankie picked his time to pounce.
This was our second trip to Paris for the Arc weekend and we had a great time with all of our guests. Chantilly is a beautiful racecourse with the most stunning surroundings. The infamous fairy-tale chateau in the background and is among the most popular monuments in France and sits alongside the Great Stables of the Princes de Conde. The racecourse is situated amongst the quiet village of Chantilly, and is the perfect location for an altogether unique visual experience. A somewhat sorrowful feeling arises when realising that the Arc de Triomphe will not be held at Chantilly again in the near future, as it returns to Longchamp in 2018.
The day was slightly dampened by poor weather however, the racing left everyone in high spirits as there were some brilliant performances from top horses, jockeys and trainers from all over the world. The atmosphere was buzzing with spectators from every corner of the globe.
One of the main highlights of the trip was the opportunity for our guests to meet the one and only Frankie Dettori. We had the chance to have a chat with Frankie before his big ride and everyone could pose for a quick picture before he had to get back to business. The crowds grew slowly throughout the morning and eventually it was time for the feature race...the richest race in Europe, involving some of the best performing horses of the flat season thus far… the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe. A French marching band played a fanfare to welcome the jockeys and horses to the track which made you feel as though you were part of something very special.
As the bells rang to signify the start of the race, the horses jumped out of the stalls and a great roar erupted from the crowds. There was never a question of Enable’s ability to clear her way of the rest of the field, and so she did...2 furlongs out. A fantastic display and one of the most exciting races of the season. With Frankie’s classic flying dismount, the spectators roared with cheers and the celebrations began. But the racing wasn’t over yet...Battaash gave Racing Breaks ambassador Jim Crowley as fantastic spin in the Abbaye for Lambourn based trainer Charlie Hills.
Once the racing had finished, we headed back into the centre of Paris - a very easy journey. Some of the group stayed an extra night to make the most of being in Paris, whilst others headed back to old blighty.
A wonderful weekend and we can’t wait for next year. Packages are available to book for the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe 2018, which will take place at ParisLongchamp racecourse. Will Frankie return to the track to try for a sixth victory? Be there to find out! We have a selection of amazing hotels located in the centre of Paris so you can enjoy a few days at your leisure to explore the city and top it off with some of the best flat racing in Europe. Packages start from just £299/person. Click here for more information.