Who to Watch at the 2025 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Horses, Trainers & Rising Stars

When it comes to flat racing, no event carries quite the same prestige as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Set to return to Longchamp Racecourse in Paris on 5 October 2025, this world-famous race attracts the very best thoroughbreds, legendary trainers, and passionate fans from across the globe.

Widely regarded as Europe’s most prestigious horse race, the Arc is more than just two minutes of breathtaking action, it’s a showcase of talent, strategy, and the thrill of the sport at its highest level. If you’re planning to follow the action, here’s a look at the names and stories you’ll want to keep an eye on.

Horses to Watch in 2025

The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2025 promises another fascinating line-up of equine stars. While the final field won’t be confirmed until closer to race day, early contenders and rising names are already making headlines.

  • Ace Impact – The 2023 Arc winner showed incredible finishing speed and composure. If he returns for another shot, fans will be eager to see if he can reclaim glory.
  • City of Troy – Touted as one of the best three-year-olds of his generation, trained by Aidan O’Brien, he could be the star attraction in 2025.
  • Feed The Flame – A French favourite who impressed in the Grand Prix de Paris, he could carry local hopes at Longchamp.
  • Auguste Rodin – Known for his versatility and stamina, this Ballydoyle runner is always a threat in big races.

Every Arc brings surprises, a lesser-fancied outsider could rise to the occasion, making this race so thrilling to follow.

Trainers Chasing Glory

Behind every great horse is a trainer with a strategy. And at the Arc, the biggest names in racing history converge.

  • Aidan O’Brien – The master of Ballydoyle and one of the most successful trainers in Arc history. His entries are always among the favourites.
  • John & Thady Gosden – The British powerhouse stable known for training champions like Enable. Their presence is always a sign of quality.
  • André Fabre – A French legend with a record-breaking number of Arc wins. If Fabre saddles a runner, it’s always worth a second look.

These trainers don’t just bring horses to Paris, they bring battle-tested champions ready for the world stage.

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Rising Stars to Look Out For

While the big names often grab headlines, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is also where rising stars emerge. Young jockeys looking to make their mark, up-and-coming trainers, and three-year-old horses stepping onto the big stage for the first time often seize their moment here.

Keep an eye on:

  • Emerging jockeys from France and the UK, eager to prove themselves in one of the toughest races.
  • Three-year-old fillies, who often arrive as underdogs but have a strong record of upsetting favourites.
  • New international challengers, particularly from Japan, where winning the Arc has become a national obsession.

These storylines add depth to an already dramatic race weekend.

The Arc Experience

Part of what makes the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2025 so special is the setting. Paris in autumn provides the perfect backdrop: Longchamp buzzing with energy, the city alive with fashion, food, and culture, and the Arc itself drawing the very best of international racing together.

It’s not just about the race for fans; it’s also about the atmosphere, the champagne, the beauty of the grandstands, and the chance to see history being made in one of the sport’s most beautiful places.

The 2025 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will have everything fans love about racing: top-notch horses, famous trainers, and the chance for a new star to rise to fame around the world. Anything can happen in this race, and it usually does. There are favorites like City of Troy and Auguste Rodin and surprise challengers.

If you’re going to the event, the best way to enjoy it is with a premium experience that combines the thrill of the Arc with the luxury of Paris.

Contact Impulse Decisions to learn more about our exclusive sports hospitality packages and join the most glamorous sporting events around the globe.