2021 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: what you need to know about going to Longchamp

ANTE-POST lists for the historic 100th running of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe look to indicate a virtual guarantee of a win for either Britain or Ireland.

But with the world still feeling its way out of the Covid-19 crisis and following a year's hiatus, France Galop is not leaving it to chance that fans from abroad will renew their autumn love affair with Longchamp on October 3.

Managing director Olivier Delloye describe the Arc as being "a British and Irish raceday in Paris" and issued an open invitation to the travelling thousands who might not have booked their trip yet, promising a safe environment and easy access to the racecourse.

"Eighty per cent of the population over 12 years old is now vaccinated and the fourth wave is now sharply declining," said Delloye. "People who are keen to come to France and especially the Paris area, provided they are vaccinated, should not be afraid about the situation.

"There is no limit to the capacity of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe this year. All that people need to go to the races is to show what we call the health pass. And it is much easier for British racegoers who are fully vaccinated knowing that there is now no quarantine when they return home."

The health pass – which has been in operation in bars, restaurants, cultural and sporting venues in France since July – can be presented either digitally or by means of a paper certificate and requires a QR code to be scanned on entry proving either a full vaccination schedule has been completed, a negative test result for Covid within the last 72 hours or else a positive test dating from more than 15 days but less than six months.

For those with either the British NHS app or the Irish Digital Covid Certificate, the process will be completed in seconds, while those who have not been vaccinated can take a rapid antigen test in a special station by the front gates.

Delloye admitted that ticket sales are behind where they were in 2019 with customers in France and abroad, but offered extra reassuarnce that refunds would be available to anyone who books should either government change travel restrictions.

Organisers will be going all out to celebrate the history of the race for the Arc's centenary, with the silks of every winner displayed prominently and the anticipated attendance of many former winning jockeys including Lester Piggott and Yves Saint-Martin.

Lester Piggott and Yves Saint-Martin will be among the legendary jockeys at Longchamp to celebrate the 100th ArcCredit: Edward Whitaker

Director of sales and marketing, Delphine Violette, outlined the main public ticketing offer, which will be split between one zone comprising the ground floor of the grandstand and access to steps overlooking the parade ring, and a second garden area which will feature food trucks, the return of a giant Guinness pop-up bar and DJs after racing, priced at just €20 on Arc Sunday.

The grandstand tickets are €30 for Saturday and €65 for Sunday.

Violette said: "To watch France v England or France v Ireland at rugby you will pay €155 [at the Stade de France], while for Roland Garros it would be at least €80 if you want to be on the two main courts. And it's the Arc! The final at Roland Garros would cost you maybe €200. I think this is the right price."

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