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Daryz won the Gr.1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe over 2,400m, while HM Alchahine claimed the Qatar Arabian World Cup on the final day of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Weekend at ParisLongchamp on Sunday. HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani attended the feature day.HH Sheikh Abdullah presented the trophies to the winning connections of the Gr.1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup, in the presence of QREC Chairman Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah and France Galop Chairman Guillaume de Saint-Seine.HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani subsequently bestowed the silverware for the Gr.1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, attended by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the French Republic Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, France Galop Chairman Guillaume de Saint-Seine and France Galop Vice Chairman Arnaud de Seyssel. The exceptional 10-race card featured eight supporting races, including five additional Group 1 contests. Daryz does it againDaryz won the Gr.1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over 2400m won by one and a quarter lengths. A high-quality field of 16 lined up, in a race open to horses aged three and upwards.Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, ridden by Mickael Barzalona, and owned and bred by Aga Khan Studs, the four-year-old colt won the race for the second year in a row.He had won the Gr.2 Prix Foy over 2400m at ParisLongchamp on his previous start. This year he had also won the Gr.1 Prix Ganay and the Gr.1 Prix d'Ispahan. He is now a two-time winner of the Arc, and a four-time Gr.1 winner.“The beginning of the race was quite tough, and you need a big horse to get through it. I was confident that if I could get him into a comfortable racing rhythm and keep him out of trouble, he would be able to make the difference,” said Barzalona. HM Alchahine shines in Gr.1 PA Qatar Arabian World CupHM Alchahine, a six-year-old Purebred Arabian horse, won the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Arabian World Cup over 2000m, prevailing by by three quarters of a length. In the colours of Helal Alalawi, trained by Madame Jean-François Bernard, and ridden by Cristian Demuro, HM Alchahine claimed another Gr.1 (PA) success.He had won the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon on his previous start. In 2025 he had finished second in this race. He is now a six-time Gr.1 (PA) winner.“He really is an exceptional horse, because to do what he did today... you never drop back in a race. He dropped back and found himself last turning into the straight. Last, but it’s just crazy. The ground he made up, the ground he made up, going three times faster than everyone else, it’s... I’ve never seen a champion like him,” Demuro said after the race.Meanwhile, Green Empress secured victory in the Gr.1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac over 1600m. Reserved for two-year-old fillies, the race drew a field of twelve. Trained by Joseph O'Brien, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and carrying the colours of The Thoroughbred Racing Corporation, Green Empress claimed her first Gr.1 success. Amusingly claims Gr.1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere titleAmusingly won the Gr.1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere over 1400m. Reserved for two-year-olds, the race drew a field of ten. The homebred two-year-old was the only filly in the field. A filly had not won this race since Happily in 2017. Ridden by Colin Keane, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, and carrying the colours of Juddmonte, Amusingly claimed her first Gr.1 success.She had raced only twice before this. She won on her debut over 1400m at Compiegne, and she did it easily. On her return she finished second in the Gr.2 Prix d'Aumale over 1600m at ParisLongchamp, after pulling very hard. This was her second win from three starts. She is now a Gr.1 winner. True Love bounces back in Gr.1 Qatar Prix de la ForetTrue Love, a three-year-old filly, won the Gr.1 Qatar Prix de la Foret over 1400m. Eight runners lined up in a race open to horses aged three and upwards. Ridden by Ryan Moore and trained by Aidan O’Brien, for owners Michael Tabor, Susan Magnier and Derrick Smith, True Love claimed another Gr.1 success.She bounced back from a sixth place in the Gr.1 Matron Stakes over 1600m at Leopardstown last time. This year she had won the Gr.1 1000 Guineas over 1600m at Newmarket. At two she had won the Gr.1 Cheveley Park Stakes over 1200m. She is now a three-time Gr.1 winner. Qatar’s sporting legacy: Vision, excellence and global impactThe conclusion of the 2026 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend at ParisLongchamp cements an 18-year alliance that has permanently reshaped international horse racing. Since QREC and France Galop joined forces in 2008, this landmark arrangement has transcended mere traditional sponsorship, transforming into a vital engine for European bloodstock. Above all, it has granted Purebred Arabians an unassailable position alongside Thoroughbreds on the sport's grandest stage, headlined by the Gr.1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup immediately preceding the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe itself.This alliance also birthed the Doha Triple Crown, a brutal test of versatility spanning three countries and varying distances: Goodwood’s 1,600m Qatar International Stakes, ParisLongchamp’s 2,000m World Cup and Al Rayyan’s 2,400m H H The Amir Sword. 

For the third consecutive year, the legendary Al Ghadeer produced a breathtaking performance to retain the Group 1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup crown on the final day of Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp Sunday, reaffirming his dominance in Purebred Arabian racingOwned by Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Francois Rohaut and ridden by Christophe Soumillon — his partner in both previous triumphs — the brilliant six-year-old once again proved untouchable on the biggest stage. Al Ghadeer now stands on the brink of an unprecedented third consecutive Doha Triple Crown, chasing the very record he set by winning it twice before.Following the race, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani crowned HE Sheikh Hamad bin Joaan al-Thani with the Group 1 PA Qatar Arabian World Cup trophy, in the presence of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, Chairman of Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club (QREC), marking a fitting conclusion to the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.HH Sheikh Abdullah also crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1). The ceremony was attended by HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, Ambassador of of Qatar to France and Guillaume de Saint Seine, Chairman of France Galop.The iconic race was won by three-year-old Daryz, representing Aga Khan Studs Sc., who produced a magnificent performance under the direction of trainer Francis-Henri Graffard and a superb ride by Mickael Barzalona. Achieving the greatest victory of his young career – which began only in April – Daryz earned his place among the elite names in the history of the World’s Best Horse RaceThe meeting also featured seven additional races, including four more Group 1 contests. Among those presenting the trophies were HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim al-Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to France, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Group 1); QREC Chairman al-Attiyah, who awarded the winners of the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac (Group 1); Abdulrahman bin Mansour al-Mansoori, QREC Board Member, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de la Foret (Gr1); and Rashid bin Saed Adiba, Head of the QREC Racing Operations Section, who crowned the winners of the Qatar Prix de la Place de l'Etoile.Historic hat-trick for Al Ghadeer in the Qatar Arabian World Cup (Gr1 PA)Al Ghadeer (Al Mourtajez x Gharraa) once again demonstrated his unrivalled dominance in the Purebred Arabian ranks with a spectacular victory in the Group 1 (PA) Qatar Arabian World Cup over 2000m.The race, featuring a field of 12 of the world’s best Arabians, is the richest and most prestigious contest for the breed, and Al Ghadeer confirmed his status as the undisputed champion.The six-year-old superstar secured his 11th career Group 1 (PA) title. This success also marked a third consecutive Group 1 victory on the card for jockey Soumillon, who earlier guided Diamond Necklace and Puerto Rico to top-level success, completing a remarkable treble on Arc Day.In a race led by Joe Star (Al Mourtajez), as usual setting the pace, Al Ghadeer was restrained from his wide draw to settle at the rear, positioned just behind his main rival HM Alchahine (Al Mourtajez). The tempo was strong but even, and Al Ghadeer travelled comfortably three wide on the best ground, always within striking distance of the leaders.Third last in the false straight but still travelling powerfully, he continued to track HM Alchahine, who moved wide turning for home. Travelling noticeably best of all, Soumillon bided his time before switching his mount to the outside for a clear run. Inside the final 300m, Al Ghadeer drifted slightly left but responded instantly once Soumillon switched his whip to the left hand, showing an excellent turn of foot to surge past and assert his superiority. He stayed on strongly to win by three-quarters of a length from HM Alchahine, with RB Mary Lylah (Al Mourtajez) finishing a clear third.Daryz Triumphs in the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de TriompheDaryz, a three-year-old colt, produced a stunning performance to capture the Group 1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, stepping up to 2400m for the first time and proving his class in Europe’s most prestigious race in a 17 runners race. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, ridden by Mickael Barzalona, and owned & bred by Aga Khan Studs SC, Daryz delivered a memorable victory, marking a first Arc success for both trainer and jockey.A Group 2 winner, Daryz came into this race on the back of an excellent second to Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black) in the Gr.2 Qatar Prix Niel, confirming his credentials at the highest level. His powerful finishing kick and composure in a top-class field showed he is a colt of exceptional quality and stamina. He’s now a Gr.1 & Arc winner.Broke well and soon settled in a good spot behind the favourite Minnie Hauk (Frankel) on the inside rail, Daryz was briefly restrained to midfield but remained in touch as the field found their positions. Entering the home straight, he improved quickly into second, still shadowing Minnie Hauk, who had just taken the lead and drifted slightly wide to start her challenge. Inside the final 200 metres, Daryz was still a good second, but with his rival looking resolute in front. However, inside the last 100 metres, the colt found another gear, quickening impressively to join the favourite, and after a thrilling head-to-head battle, Daryz proved the stronger, winning by a head. Minnie Hauk held on for second, while Sosie (Sea The Stars) stayed on well to take third.Diamond Necklace Shines Bright in the Gr.1 Qatar Prix Marcel BoussacDiamond Necklace (St Mark’s Basilica), a classy 2-year-old filly, produced a dazzling display to capture the Group 1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac over 1600m, a race for 2-year-old fillies only that brought together a field of eight runners. The Coolmore filly confirmed herself as one of the leading juveniles of the season with a brilliant and determined performance.Trained by Aidan O’Brien, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and carrying the M Tabor & D Smith & Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg colours, Diamond Necklace continues her rapid rise through the ranks and becomes a Group 1 winner on only her third career start. She came into this race following an impressive Listed victory at Leopardstown, and once again showed class, maturity, and determination at the highest level.Puerto Rico Takes the Group 1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc LagarderePuerto Rico (Wootton Bassett), a talented 2-year-old colt, continued his rapid progression with a brilliant victory in the Group 1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere over 1400m, a race for 2-year-old colts only that brought together a field of nine runners.Trained by Aidan O’Brien, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, and owned by Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith, Puerto Rico produced a good performance to claim his first Gr.1 success. He completed a Group 1 double on the card for both trainer and jockey, following their earlier victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac with Diamond Necklace.Maranoa Charlie Dominates the Prix de la ForetMaranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett) confirmed his brilliance with a commanding front-running performance to take the Group 1 Prix de la Foret over 1400m at ParisLongchamp. The race, open to 3-year-olds and up, featured a field of 16 and produced a decisive victory for the progressive colt.Trained by Christopher Head, ridden by Aurelien Lemaître, and owned by Bond Thoroughbred Limited, the 3-year-old colt displayed both speed and toughness to secure his first success at the highest level.Asfoora Flies to Victory in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye de LongchampAsfoora (Flying Artie), the brilliant 7-year-old mare, showcased her trademark speed and determination with a dazzling win in the Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp, run over 1000m. The sprint attracted a field of 19 runners, bringing together some of the fastest horses in Europe. Trained by Henry Dwyer, ridden by Oisin Murphy, and owned by Noor Elaine Farm Pty Ltd, the Australian sprinter bounced back in style after a below-par performance in a Group 1.Barnavara Shines Bright in the Gr.1 Prix de l’OpéraBarnavara (Calyx), a talented 3-year-old filly, produced a thrilling front-running display to land the Group 1 Prix de l’Opéra over 2000m, a race for 3-year-old and older fillies and mares which attracted a field of 12. Trained by Jessica Harrington, ridden by Shane Foley, and owned by Alpha Racing, the filly continues her remarkable rise through the ranks.Qatar’s Enduring Partnership: A legacy of vision and excellenceAs the curtain fell on the 2025 renewal of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend in Paris, Qatar’s long-standing sponsorship once again proves to be much more than a support for a sporting event. It stands as a model of strategic partnership and sporting vision.The collaboration between the QREC and France Galop, which began in 2008, has become one of the cornerstones of this world-renowned meeting. Over the years, it has delivered far-reaching benefits, particularly in strengthening the presence of Purebred Arabian racing on Europe’s and the world premier stages. This integration has become a defining feature of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, where the Qatar Arabian World Cup continues to capture worldwide attention. Staged immediately before the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the race attracts immense interest and has evolved into one of the most anticipated moments of the entire weekend.The Qatari sponsorship has also given rise to the prestigious Doha Triple Crown, a visionary initiative that encourages international competition among owners and trainers of Purebred Arabians. The series connects three elite races — the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood, the Qatar Arabian World Cup at ParisLongchamp, and the HH The Amir Sword at Al Rayyan— with special recognition for any horse capable of winning all three.Winning the Triple Crown is a challenge that only truly exceptional champions can meet — as Ebraz, owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani, first proved in 2020. Yet Al Ghadeer took this achievement to unprecedented heights, completing the treble for the second consecutive year and looks well prepared and very close to complete the treble – a feat that underscores his extraordinary consistency and class at the very highest level.

Afjan showed courage and speed to win the Gr.3 Prix d’Arenberg over 1000m at ParisLongchamp. The race, for two-year-olds, brought together ten colts and fillies.Racing in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, trained by Henri-François Devin and ridden by Christophe Soumillon, the colt was coming off a very good second place in the Gr.3 Prix de Cabourg at Deauville over 1200m. This time, he got his reward and became a Group winner.Settled in midfield, but always in touch, Afjan travelled nicely in a race run at a strong pace, with Stargazed and Shine On Me cutting out the running. Gradually improving into fifth, Afjan was only a length behind the leaders as they came under pressure, still going well under Soumillon, who was motionless in the saddle.Asked for more inside the final 300m, Afjan quickened strongly to join the front rank, battling with Shine On Me and the favourite Havana Anna. In a thrilling finish, he stayed on powerfully to edge ahead in the closing stages, holding off the rallying Havana Anna by a nose. Shine On Me finished third, clear of the remainder.Bred by Al Shaqab Racing, Afjan is out of Al Johrah, who won twice over 1000m at two and was placed twice in Gr.2 races over 1000m and 1100m. He is a half-brother to Faleh, a winner over 1000m at three. Al Johrah is out of Bea Remembered, who was placed at Listed level and is a half-sister to Stormy Antarctic, a dual Gr.2 winner and multiple Gr.3 winner, as well as to Balsam, a Listed winner over 1000m at two.