Why is the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix taking place in Malaysia?

Paris prepares to host the 105th edition of the Qatar Arc of Victory Grand Prix, an internationally renowned horse racing event, at the beginning of October. The race, which has been a prominent fixture since 1920, will be sponsored by Qatar and will feature top horses from around the globe. Up to 35,000 spectators are expected to attend the two-day event, which will be televised to approximately 60 countries.

The race program consists of 18 runs, including 10 Category One races, with a total prize money of €10 million. The main event, the Qatar Arc of Victory Prize for Category One Thoroughbred Horses, carries a prize of €5 million. In the lead-up to the race, a series of events will take place, including a horse auction at the Arcana Hall and the Qatar Arabian Purebred Award and Qatar Arabian Thoroughbred Award at Saint-Cloud Racecourse.

The opening ceremony will be held at the Wagram Hall, featuring the draw of participating horses and the announcement of starting gates. Additional events include a track march, a fan village showcasing participating countries' cultures, and a horse march with international participants. Notable attendees include Yutaka Taki from Japan, Ryan Moore from England, and various other international horsemen.

Dariz, last year's winner of the Qatar Arc de Triomphe Award, is aiming to retain her title, a feat accomplished by only eight horses in over a century. The race will feature participants from Japan, Ireland, and Qatar, including Qatar's Constitution River and Diamond Necklace. The Qatar World Cup for Arabian Horses, a prominent Arabian horse race, has a strong Qatari presence, with Al Shaqab Racing, Utnan Racing, and Al Wasmia Racing leading the entries.