Oisin Murphy unaware of his place in history as Paris greets new Longchamp

Oisin Murphy and Martyn Meade must be getting a taste for all things French.

Having rounded off Arc weekend with their first Group 1 winner, courtesy of Aclaim in the Prix de la Foret, the pair inscribed their names in the history books as the first Group-race winners of the new era at Longchamp – or ParisLongchamp, as it has been officially renamed.

Not that the jockey was quite aware of the wider significance of Chilean's length-and-a-quarter defeat of Study Of Man in the Prix La Force.

"It’s unbelievable. The Arc for me is the most important race after the Derby and is more international. Riding at Longchamp is a pleasure."

As to the luxurious new weighing room, which several jockeys requested should be modelled on the nearby Parc des Princes, Murphy said: "I’ve never been in a football changing room, but this is great."

The great and the good of French racing, as well as some from further afield, were on hand to see architect Dominique Perrault's vision come to life, with the predominantly gold colour scheme benefiting from some welcome spring sunshine.

Old and new: the paddock at the newly reopened ParisLongchamp with the old Totalisator Stand in the backgroundCredit: Edward Whitaker

Contrary to the frequent perception of racing in Paris, the public also turned out, with an official paying attendance of just less than 4,000.

Given France Galop had opted for a soft launch and little publicity before the grand opening on Prix Ganay day at the end of the month, the crowd produced a pretty vibrant atmosphere and it seems the aim of creating a more intimate experience when it isn't the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has been met.

Patrick and Jim (right) enjoy the first day of the new era at LongchampCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

Patrick and Jim were regulars at the old Longchamp and took up position on the steppings overlooking the paddock.

"I like it and it’s more modern," said Jim, the younger of the two friends. "There is plenty of room along the home straight on the steps or on the grass in front to watch the race unfold. And there seem to be plenty of staff and service providers on hand."

Patrick was also pleased by what he saw, although he reserved judgement for the busier days.

"It was always nice on the big days to take the family out on the grass and have the pony rides," he said. "It gave a different view of racing, a simpler one."

One thing that hasn't changed is the track layout, although on ground that has taken a real soaking since Christmas nobody was breaking any records.

The opening maiden over an extended mile and a half got things under way from the traditional start for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, although the clock ticked over at two minutes 52 seconds when the field passed the first winning post – 100 metres shy of the line – which was slower than for any of the Arc's 96 editions.

One other thing French racing has long learned to live with, and which won't change with the new buildings? When the Group prizes are handed out, the visitors must always be reckoned with.

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