 Sinndar and jockey John Murtagh parade after winning the 2000 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe |
Dateline: 10/01/00
The 79th renewal of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was one for the record books. Second favorite Sinndar became the first horse to win the English Derby, Irish Derby, and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in the same year while his jockey, John Murtagh, also set a French record by winning 3 Group One races in one day. Post time favorite Montjeu was trying to become the 7th horse to win two runnings but he was slow out of the gate, lost his footing on the turn, had nothing left at the end, and had to settle for fourth place. Beating him out were two three year old fillies, Egyptband who rallied strong in the stretch to turn the tables on Volvoreta who had beaten her last out. Longshot Hightori was fifth while German entrant Samum finished a disappointing sixth place.
 Official order of finish for the 2000 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe |
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe was only one of five Group 1 races on the card. For photos and results of the rest, some of which have possible Breeders' Cup contenders, check the undercard results. For an interesting description of the differences between French and North American racing plus more photos from Longchamp, check here. For a close look at the elaborate ceremony given for the winner of the race, check here.
Finish Horse Jockey Distance
5 Sinndar J.P. Murtagh
10 Egyptband O. Doleuze 1 1/2
9 Volvoreta O. Peslier 3
2 Montjeu M.J. Kinane 2 1/2
Final time: 2:25.80
Payoffs (based on 10F minimum):
Gangnant 5 - 25F (win)
Placé 5 - 15F (combo of place and show)
10 - 38F
9 - 22F
Jumelé Gagnant 5-10 - 256F (exacta)
Jumelé Placé 5-10 - 65F
5-9 - 40F
10-9 - 88F
(this is like a quinella but your horses can
finish in any of the top 3 positions)
Trio 5-10-9 - 302F (trifecta)
Chart & Chart comments - from Racing Post
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According to the Racing Post, winning owner-breeder the Aga Khan said: "I think this horse is one of the best I've ever seen. Someone told me he is the first horse to win the Derby, the Irish Derby and the Arc - I think he is an exceptional horse." While Montjeu's trainer John Hammond said: "He just didn't fire today. It's disappointing but I'm afraid that happens. We'll see how he is - it wouldn't be surprising if something popped up in the next 24 hours. It's very unusual for a horse as consistent as him to throw in a moderate run like that."
About 200 metres from the finish and the final order is already set with Sinndar on the lead followed by Egyptband, Volvoreta, Montjeu, and Hightori.
The finish of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Sinndar a length and a half in front of Egyptband.
Another view of the finish showing the first 8 finishers in order.
 Sinndar in the post parade |
 Volvoreta in the post parade |
 Egyptband in the post parade |
 Montjeu in the post parade |
 Samum in the post parade |
 Samum's German cheering section in the stands |
Longchamp is really a huge track with several courses. Here is a panoramic view to give you an idea of the true size.
- Arc Preview - my article previewing the race with history, general info, past performances, etc.
- Arc de Triomphe official site - some parts French only but a useful site
- Past Performances with Timeform ratings from DRF
- Phototheque - photos of the horses and their connections from France Galop
- Video - from Paris Turf, looks like they will show the races live plus replays after
- Longchamp
- Current odds from various UK bookmakers and the Tote
- Racing Post - certain to have news in English
- Arc de Triomphe winners
- More Arc de Triomphe links - including news and info about wagering in France
Arc logo courtesy of France Galop, race photos by Terence Dulay and Cindy Pierson.
