The Qatar Prix l'Arc de Triomphe stands as one of the ultimate highlights on the global horse racing calendar.

Widely regarded as the undisputed world championship for thoroughbreds, this prestigious contest in Paris brings together world-class horses and jockeys to compete over 2,400 metres, which equates to roughly a mile and a half, on the turf.

It will be held on Monday, October 5, with horses going to post at 00:05 AEST.

Quick Picks

Our pick: Daryz to win

Value bet: Maltese Cross each-way

Long shot: Diamond Necklace each-way

Betting Preview

One of the richest races in the world, the Qatar Prix l'Arc de Triomphe prize purse has totalled around AU$8,107,925 in recent editions. The winner is set to win around just over half of the total prize: AU$4.6 million.

The race is held at Paris Longchamp Racecourse in France, with the best three-year-olds and older set to take to the field.

There aren’t any geldings in this race, although this is the final year of the restriction, as it will be lifted next year.

The flat race has weight limits: 56.5 kg (3yo); 59.5 kg (4yo+), with a 1.5 kg allowance for fillies and mares. It comfortably ranks among the biggest horse races in the world for atmosphere and prestige.

Last year’s race was an epic; Daryz defeated Minnie Hauk by a head, with Sosie finishing third and Giavellotto fourth.

He managed to claim victory after jockey Mickael Barzalona made a late move to challenge in the final stages of the race. Rides like that are the sort that get a name talked about among the greatest jockeys of all time.

Held on very soft ground, he had a winning time of 2:29.17 with 17 horses involved. It was a record win for the Aga Khan family, as they claimed their eighth race win.

Win here again and Daryz would start earning mentions alongside the greatest racehorses of all time, so it is worth watching how his season unfolds.

Betting Markets to Watch

Daryz is listed to race once again in the 2026 Qatar Prix l'Arc de Triomphe, and has been listed as the opening favourite in the odds. The 4-year-old has had just four races since winning here last, although he has been in very good form.

Three of his last four races have been at Longchamp, of which he won all three with Barzalona on board. He competed at Ascot in June but finished third in a competitive race.

What bodes well is that he can seem to race well in most conditions, winning the 2025 edition on soft ground, while winning the Prix Foy in early September on ground which was good to firm.

But given the competitive nature of the race, there are winners throughout the field. Maltese Cross slightly edges the rest in the odds, as he has four wins and a second-placed finish in his last five races.

He won at Longchamp in July by a head on good to firm ground over the same distance, which makes him a value option.

Kalpana may also be worth a look in this upcoming race. He has three wins and a second in his last four meets, though each has been on English soil.

Notably, he won the King George at Ascot by defeating Calandagan by 1.5 lengths on good to firm ground.

Our Prediction

Check the latest horse racing betting odds at Sportsbet.

With good-to-soft ground expected due to rainfall, Daryz is our pick to win. He has experience at Longchamp and has been unbeatable here.

Our long shot is Diamond Necklace in the each-way; the filly has three wins and a second in her last four races this season, including a win at Longchamp.

The issue is that it was over 1 mile; she’s been stepping up in distance with each race, but an each-way is the safer option.