The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the most prestigious races in international horse racing, attracting some of the finest thoroughbreds, jockeys and trainers from around the world.
The 2026 renewal, due to take place at ParisLongchamp on Sunday 4 October, carries a total prize fund of €5 million, making it one of the biggest horse racing betting events around - as well as being amongst the most valuable races in Europe.
The winner of the 2026 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will receive €2.857 million. This represents more than half of the total prize fund and demonstrates just how valuable victory in the race can be to owners.
Winning the Arc is not simply about the financial reward. Success can significantly increase a horse's reputation, especially its breeding potential for many more years to come.
The horse finishing in second place will receive €1.143 million, while third place is worth €571,500. The prize money continues down the field, with €285,500 allocated to fourth and €143,000 to fifth. Together, these payments make up the full €5 million purse.
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Prize Money Breakdown
- 1st - €2,857,000
- 2nd - €1,143,000
- 3rd - €571,500
- 4th - €285,500
- 5th - €143,000
Breeder Premiums
There is another financial element associated with the race in the form of breeder premiums. These payments provide additional rewards connected to the breeding of eligible horses.
For the published 2026 figures, the breeder premium is €135,000 for the winner, with €54,000 for second, €27,000 for third, €13,500 for fourth and €6,750 for fifth. This highlights the importance of the breeding industry to French racing and the wider thoroughbred sector.
Constant Prize Money
Rather than continually increasing the purse, the Arc has held its €5 million position since 2021. This is noteworthy when compared with other major European races that have increased their purses to attract overseas attention.
For example, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot is worth £2 million in 2026, with plans for it to rise to £2.5 million in 2027. The Arc therefore remains substantially ahead on the headline prize money front.
Historical Prize Money Increases
The historical figures show a marked increase in the value of the Arc since the turn of the Millennium.
In 2000 and 2001, the purse was 10.5 million French francs; from 2002 it was €1.6 million, rising to €1.8 million in 2005 and €2 million in 2006–07. The purse then doubled to €4 million in 2008, when Qatar became the sponsor.
Previous Winners Of The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
- 2025 - Daryz
- 2024 - Bluestocking
- 2023 - Ace Impact
- 2022 - Alpinista
- 2021 - Torquator Tasso
- 2020 - Sottsass
- 2019 - Waldgeist
- 2018 - Enable
- 2017 - Enable
- 2016 - Found
- 2015 - Golden Horn
Learn more about how to bet on horse racing at 888sport and enjoy the build up to this year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
