In 1857, the outdated Champ de Mars track is abandoned and Longchamp Racecourse is opened.

“La Société d’Encouragement pour l’Amélioration des Races de Chevaux”, the French parent company devoted to horse breed improvement and elite horses selection, drew up an ambitious project: confronting thoroughbreds from various nationalities on the prestigious track of Bois de Boulogne to crown the best one.

In 1863, the creation of the Grand Prix de Paris marked the first step. This race brought face to face both Epsom Derby (England) and Prix du Jockey Club (France) laureates.

30 years later, on October 1893, the company set up a meeting between the 3 year-old and up in a 2400 meters race.

French Derby, The Prix du Conseil Municipal was born.

In 1920, the end of the Great War brought a racing revival.

The company wanted to provide a French thoroughbred showcase.

To reach perfection, a Prix du Conseil Municipal-like race was imagined:

Same distance but no overload nor unload. Everyone on an equal footing.

Same date. Indeed, the 1st Sunday of October was free from European competition.

With such an important prize money, finding a suitable name was absolutely necessary.

1919 July 14th, celebrating victory Allied Forces marched under the Arc de Triomphe which was especially built as a tribute to the French Army.

Even if a Longchamp minor race had already worn this name since 1882, “Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe” was given to this new international major race which purpose is to crown the best thoroughbred.