Supercomputer Predicts Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Winner To Be Big OUTSIDER

ParisLongchamp – October 6, 2024

A sunny afternoon at Paris Longchamp set the stage for the 2024 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, one of the most prestigious races in the world.

Sixteen of the finest thoroughbreds lined up for the €5 million prize over 2400m of turf. The ground was officially good, with a light breeze blowing across the course.

The atmosphere was electric as racing fans from across the globe gathered to witness this marquee event.

The break from the gates was clean, and it was Fantastic Moon, trained by Sarah Steinberg, who surged to the front, setting a strong early pace.

Close behind was Survie, showing plenty of early speed. Shin Emperor from Japan settled in third on the rail, with the highly-regarded Continuous tracking the leaders in fourth, and Zarakem sitting comfortably in midfield.

Delius also showed some early interest, taking up a position mid-pack.

As the field passed the halfway point, jockeys began to manoeuvre for position. Continuous, under a well-timed ride by two-time race winner Christophe Soumillon, steadily moved up to challenge the leaders, with Zarakem and Haya Zark poised just behind.

Look De Vega and Aventure Held Up

The French-trained filly Mqse De Sevigne, racing in the colors of Baron Edouard De Rothschild, began to improve her position under jockey Alexis Pouchin, while French Derby winner Look De Vega and Aventure were still held up at the rear, conserving energy for the stretch run.

Turning into the home straight, it was Fantastic Moon who was the first to come under pressure as the field bunched up. 

Survie began to fade, but Continuous and Zarakem surged forward to contest the lead.

On the outside, the recently supplemented Bluestocking unleashed a powerful challenge, and another of the outsiders Haya Zark, under a confident ride by UK-based rider William Buick, made a determined bid down the centre of the track.

The Race Hots-Up In The Final Furlong at Longchamp

In the final furlong, the race was now on between Zarakem, Continuous, and Haya Zark, with Al Riffa staying on strongly from the rear and Sosie, who was looking to give top French trainer André Fabre a nineth Arc win, also making a late bid.

As they reached the final 100 meters, it was Zarakem, the son of Zarak, who found an extra gear. With jockey Cristian Demuro, who has won two of the last four Arcs, urging him on, Zarakem surged clear to secure victory by just over a length.

Behind him, Haya Zark ran on gamely for second, with Continuous finishing a close third after a strong performance for Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien.

Al Riffa, coming from deep in the pack, grabbed fourth ahead of Bluestocking, who was denied a better placing by her wide run.

Mqse De Sevigne finished a credible sixth, while Fantastic Moon faded late to finish seventh after his early exertions.

The rest of the field was well beaten, with Sevenna’s Knight finishing midfield and Shin Emperor unable to mount a serious challenge in the closing stages.

One of the pre-race favourites Survie, who had shown early speed, dropped away in the stretch, while Sunway, Los Angeles, and Look De Vega were never in contention.

Zarakem, the 4-year-old colt trained by Jerome Reynier, finally fulfilled his enormous potential, delivering a stunning victory in the most coveted race of the European flat racing calendar.

It was a third Arc win for jockey Cristian Demuro, who executed a perfect ride to guide his mount through the field and deliver him to glory and the first for the stable.

The 2023 St Leger winner Continuous ran a brave race but could not match the finishing kick of the winner. The 2024 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will be remembered as a thrilling contest, with the 4 year-old Zarakem stamping himself as a true champion on the grandest stage.