The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, or simply “the Arc”, is one of the world’s most prestigious horse races. Staged annually at the Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, the Arc is considered the ultimate test of a thoroughbred’s ability and attracts some of the world’s best horses. The Arc is also one of the richest races in the world, offering a purse of €4,000,000.
As one might expect, the cost of entering a horse in the Arc is not cheap. For owners, trainers and jockeys, the Arc represents a significant investment, both in terms of money and time. Therefore, it is important to understand just how much it costs to enter a horse in the Arc. In this article, we will take a look at the different costs associated with entering a horse in the Arc and explore some of the ways in which these costs can be minimized.
Entry Fee
The first cost associated with entering a horse in the Arc is the entry fee. This fee is set by the organizer of the race, the Société du Cheval Français (SCF). The entry fee for the 2021 Arc is €180,000 per horse, which must be paid in full by the closing date for entries (15 September 2021). This fee is non-refundable and is due regardless of whether or not the horse is ultimately able to compete in the race.
Training and Preparation
The second cost associated with entering a horse in the Arc is the cost of training and preparation. In the months leading up to the Arc, owners and trainers will typically invest a significant amount of time and money in order to ensure that the horse is ready for the race. This may include hiring a specialist trainer, purchasing high-quality feed, and hiring a physical therapist. These costs can vary greatly depending on the horse, the trainer, and the owner, but they can easily run into the tens of thousands of euros.
Accommodation
The third cost associated with entering a horse in the Arc is accommodation. As the Arc is held in Paris, owners, trainers and jockeys will typically need to book accommodation in the city. This can be anything from a hotel room to a luxury apartment. Accommodation costs can vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen, but they are likely to be in the hundreds or even thousands of euros.
Travel
The fourth cost associated with entering a horse in the Arc is travel. Horses will typically need to be flown from their home country to Paris, and this can be an expensive process. Depending on the airline used and the class of travel, the cost of flying a horse to Paris can range from several hundred to several thousand euros. In addition to the cost of flying the horse, owners, trainers and jockeys will also need to cover the cost of their own travel to Paris.
Stabling
The fifth cost associated with entering a horse in the Arc is stabling. Horses will typically need to be stabled in Paris for several days before and after the race. Stabling costs can vary depending on the type of facility chosen, but they are likely to be in the hundreds or even thousands of euros.
Jockey Fee
The sixth cost associated with entering a horse in the Arc is the jockey fee. This is the fee paid to the jockey who rides the horse in the race. The fee is typically paid by the owner and can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of euros, depending on the jockey and the agreement between the owner and the jockey.
Medical Costs
The seventh cost associated with entering a horse in the Arc is medical costs. Horses will typically need to undergo a thorough medical examination before being allowed to compete in the race. This can involve blood tests, x-rays and ultrasounds, and the cost of these tests can range from several hundred to several thousand euros.
Insurance
The eighth cost associated with entering a horse in the Arc is insurance. Owners, trainers and jockeys will typically need to take out insurance to cover the horse’s medical costs and any potential loss of earnings should the horse be unable to compete in the race. The cost of insurance can vary, but it is likely to be in the hundreds or even thousands of euros.
Marketing and Promotion
The ninth cost associated with entering a horse in the Arc is marketing and promotion. Owners and trainers will typically invest significant amounts of money in marketing and promotional activities to ensure that their horse receives the maximum exposure ahead of the race. These activities can include advertising campaigns, media relations, and social media campaigns, and the costs can range from several hundred to several thousand euros.
Contingency Funds
The tenth and final cost associated with entering a horse in the Arc is contingency funds. Owners and trainers should set aside contingency funds to cover any unexpected costs that may arise, such as veterinary bills, additional travel costs, or jockey fees. The amount of money set aside will depend on the owner and the horse, but it is typically in the hundreds or even thousands of euros.
Conclusion
As we have seen, the cost of entering a horse in the Arc can quickly add up. The entry fee alone is €180,000, while the other associated costs can easily run into the tens of thousands of euros. For owners, trainers and jockeys, the Arc represents a significant financial commitment, and it is important to understand just how much it costs to enter a horse in the race. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize these costs, such as booking accommodation in advance, shopping around for the best deals on travel and insurance, and setting aside contingency funds. With careful planning and a bit of luck, owners can ensure that their horse has the best possible chance of success in the Arc.