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Only French-bred horses can run at the Arc, but there is no age limit. In fact, many compete for multiple years, as two-, three- and four-year-olds.

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The Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s sponsorship of the race began in 2008, and instigated a new Arc weekend tradition: The Arabian World Cup, run on the same day and reserved only for purebred Arabians.

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Located in Paris’ Bois de Boulogne, just a couple of miles west of the Eiffel Tower, the Hippodrome de Longchamp is an antique track, hosting races since 1857.

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The race takes place on a turf-covered track, not dirt or mud, and covers around 2,400 meters or 1-½ miles. (Longchamp is a flexible course with multiple loops, accommodating races anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 meters.)

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The 2014 race saw a repeat champion for the first time in 36 years: Treve, a four-year-old filly, ridden by four-time Arc winner Thierry Jarnet, and bred by Alec Head, breeder and trainer of numerous Arc winners.

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