Low draws to the fore: how the 2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was won

There was a thrilling climax to the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with just a head separating Daryz and Minnie Hauk. Here is how the race unfolded at Longchamp on Sunday

The runners leave the stalls in the ArcCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Low draw a help

The first three home occupied the lowest three stalls. Winner Daryz emerged from stall two, with Sosie on his outside and Minnie Hauk drawn lowest of all. Of those three, Minnie Hauk sat closer to the pace in the early stages, with Daryz and Sosie settled in midfield.

The field were closely grouped in the Arc early onCredit: Sky Sports Racing

The field were tightly grouped early on, and several of those drawn wide made a concerted effort to move towards the rail. Minnie Hauk remained in her position on the rail with Daryz not far behind. Croix Du Nord, who broke from stall 17, got across under Yuichi Kitamura to take the lead leaving the back straight.

Croix Du Nord leads the field in the ArcCredit: Sky Sports Racing

No cause for alarm

The field remained tightly bunched exiting the turn before the false straight. Hotazhell and Croix Du Nord were disputing the lead, but Minnie Hauk was well positioned close up with Daryz tracking her. All the main contenders were reasonably positioned at this stage.

Croix Du Nord remains in front during the Arc approaching the false straightCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Minnie Hauk makes her move

Christophe Soumillon manoeuvred Minnie Hauk into space approaching the home straight and she travelled strongly, although Daryz made an almost identical move moments later. 

The Arc runners turn into the straightCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Croix Du Nord, having been ridden forward, started to struggle turning for home, while last year's runner-up Aventure's chance appeared to be fading.

Minnie Hauk hits the front in the ArcCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Two-horse race

It soon became apparent the race was developing into a two-horse affair. Minnie Hauk kicked under Soumillon and had most of the field in trouble, with Daryz the only threat in the final furlong. Sosie was the only other contender to make notable headway.

Daryz pips Minnie Hauk at the postCredit: Sky Sports Racing

Under a determined Mickael Barzalona, Daryz charged past Minnie Hauk, who had looked to have made a race-winning move. The Sea The Stars colt showed excellent acceleration through rain-softened conditions to catch the leader, with the front two well clear of the rest. 

Sosie stayed on into third, with Giavellotto the best of the British-trained runners in fourth in a tight finish for the minor honours.

Read more on the Arc . . .

Daryz seals 'very special' Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe success after pouncing late to deny Minnie Hauk  

How Daryz went from unraced in March to a Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe champion 

2025 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe full result: where your horse finished at Longchamp including each-way places 

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